23. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the inhabitants of Lerwick, by a plebiscite, expressed themselves in favour of the complete Sunday closing of places of public refreshment throughout the year; that at two successive elections town councillors in favour of the above closing were elected to vacancies; that the town council, by a large majority, has prepared by-laws to secure such Sunday closing; and that the sheriff has refused to confirm these; and, if so, will he consider the desirability of introducing legislation to remedy the evils referred to?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)I understand that the facts are substantially as stated in the first three portions of my hon. Friend's question and that the sheriff, after an inquiry, refused to confirm the by-law in question on the ground that to require the "total closing on Sunday of registered places for public refreshment in Lerwick during the herring fishing season would not be reasonable. I am not prepared, in present circumstances, to give any undertaking with regard to legislation.