§ 54. Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Home Secretary whether the decision to alter paragraph 4 of the Early Closing Order, 1917, so as to permit the sale of sweets in theatres, cinemas, etc., after the closing hour for shops, has yet been given effect to; and, if not, will he give full consideration to the protest forwarded to him by the Sweet Retailers' Association against the proposed alteration, which, in their opinion, would place the shopkeeper in an unfair position and lead to a demand for a later closing hour?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo decision on this matter has yet been taken. I received a deputation representing the Confectionery Trade on the 2nd February, and am giving careful consideration to their representations.
Lieut.-Colonel. A. MURRAYWould it not be better to restrict the sale of sweets and allow more sugar to the consumers?
§ Mr. SHORTTThat question does not come in my department.