§ 33. Mr. HINDSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will hold over his decision as to continuing the compulsory closing of shops until after the forthcoming meeting of the Early Closing Association at the Mansion House, when lord mayor and mayors from various parts of London and England and Wales will be in a position to state the wishes of traders in their respective cities and towns thereto; and whether he will inform the House how many petitions for and against the Order he has received up to the present time?
§ Sir G. CAVEA decision will not be taken before the end of this month. About 400 representations, including 69 from local authorities and 117 from trade organisations, have been received in favour of a continuance of early closing, and about 30 against.
Sir H. DALZIELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these petitions are being organised by paid officials, whose business it is to work them up?