SHOPS (EARLIER CLOSING ORDER).

HC Deb 27 November 1916 vol 88 cc1-2

Sir C. SWANN

I wish to read a Petition from the wholesale and retail confectioners—

Mr. SPEAKER

The right hon. Gentleman is not entitled to read it. He can summarise it.

Sir C. SWANN

It is only about three sentences.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Order of the House is that Petitions are not to be read. The right hon. Gentleman can summarise it.

Sir C. SWANN

It is from wholesale and retail confectioners of Manchester and the district. They feel very hardly the new arrangement by which all shops have to close at eight o'clock, and they hope, in view of the Christmas trade coming on and in the general interests of trade, the House will give an extension of time for the purpose of preventing many small businesses from being entirely curtailed and destroyed.

Mr. SPEAKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman be pleased to bring the same to the Table.