§ 36. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Labour whether his attention has been called to the expression of opinion by the House last Friday in favour of a 48-hour week for shop assistants, more especially as this would tend to settle the question of early closing; and whether, under these circumstances, he will expedite his Bill dealing with the hours of labour generally in the country?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe shall proceed with the Hours of Employment Bill as soon as possible.
55. Mr. PALMERasked the Prime Minister whether, instead of giving any facilities for the Shops (Early Closing) Bill, he will introduce a one-clause Bill ensuring to shop assistants a 48-hour standard week?
§ 61. Mr. BRIANTasked the Prime Minister if, considering the importance to a million and three-quarters of shopkeepers and their assistants of a limitation of shop hours after the expiry of the Defence of the Realm Act in August, and the failure of the Shop Hours (Early Closing) Bill to pass the House on Friday last, if the Government will introduce a Bill this Session dealing with the whole question, or introduce a Bill continuing the present hours for a short period so that the whole question can be dealt with in the Autumn Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)The whole question will be dealt with under the General Bill to regulate the hours of employment, but His Majesty's Government are considering the introduction of a Bill to extend the existing Regulations for a short period.
§ Mr. E. WOODMay I ask when it is proposed to introduce that Bill?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy answer says that we have not decided. I have only said that the Government are considering the matter.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think that is necessary, because the Regulations come to an end before we meet again.