HC Deb 23 November 1914 vol 68 c794
105. Mr. HINDS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the action of the London County Council in December last in informing the traders of London that the closing requirements of the Shops Act should not be enforced from 1st to 24th December; and whether he will take immediate steps, in the interests of traders willing to obey the Act, to make it clear to the London County Council and other local authorities that they have no power either to suspend the closing during December or to deprive any shop assistant of their half-holidays during December other than the one prior to Christmas Day?

Mr. McKENNA

I communicated with the London County Council on this matter last winter and pointed out the illegality of the course they had adopted. I do not think it can be necessary now to take any further action such as my hon. Friend suggests.