§ 93. Mr. JOWETTasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a request from the United Kingdom Association of Retail Newsagents to receive a deputation on the subject of the Early Closing Order for Shops; and, if so, having regard to the representative character of the body referred to, will he grant their request?
Mr. SAMUELI received such an application from the association before the Order was made. They asked that the hour might be fixed at eight instead of seven and that the sale of newspapers might be brought within the operation of the Order. The first part of their request was met by the amending Order of 27th October, but it would not have been desirable, especially in present circumstances, to prevent the sale of newspapers after eight o'clock. No further request for a deputation has been made, and as at present advised I hardly think any useful purpose would be served by my receiving one.
§ 97. Mr. THOMASasked the Home Secretary whether, hitherto, the employés on the underground railways were able to purchase during working hours from their mess-rooms such things as cigarettes, tobacco, soap, and chocolate, but that owing to the Early Closing Order the sale of these goods is now prohibited after eight p.m.; in view of the fact that these articles were only supplied to members of the staff, whether it was his intention to apply the Early Closing Order in such a case; and whether he can see his way to allow the former practice to continue?
Mr. SAMUELI have made inquiry as to the conditions under which these mess-rooms are carried on, and understand that they are provided for giving the employés facilities for meals during the intervals allowed for the purpose. In the circumstances, I think the sales would be exempted from the Order.