§ 18. Mr. KINGasked whether the right hon. Gentleman has had brought under his consideration the case of a carrier between Bristol and Portishead who has been in the habit of buying daily at a refreshment room in Pill a pennyworth of biscuits for the boy employed by him, but who now, owing to the Shops Act, is refused the biscuits on the early-closing day on the ground that biscuits are confectionery, not refreshments; and whether he will issue a Memorandum in order to make it clear that earriers' boys and other travellers may ask for biscuits, even in small amounts, without being 13 refused on the plea that biscuits are only sweetmeats and not proper food?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe case has not come before me, and without further information as to the facts of the case, I should not like to express an opinion. I may point out, however, that the Act exempts the sale of confectionery as well as the sale of refreshments from the requirement as to closing for a half holiday. Perhaps my hon. Friend will communicate with me if he has any further information.