§ 99. Major NALLasked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that under the Shops Act, 1912, Section 5, any local authority may issue an Order requiring shops to close at 7 o'clock, he will consider the desirability of taking steps to enable local authorities to issue Orders to meet the local needs of their respective areas when the Defence of the Realm Act expires on 31st August next?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs was stated by the Leader of the House yesterday, the Government are considering the introduction of a Bill to extend the existing provision regarding the general early closing of shops for a short period. The suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member will be kept in mind.
§ Major NALLMay I ask whether there is any obstacle in the way of local authorities issuing orders for 7 o'clock closing if it is really desired in, the district, and whether it is not, as a matter of fact, possible for them to do so under the Act named in the question?
§ Mr. SHORTTThere is no legal opposition to it; there may be local opposition.