§ 43. Mr. CHARLES BUXTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the new interpretation of the law as to the closing of retail confectioners' shops on Sunday is being enforced in some police areas and not in others; that many retail confectioners consider the time from 8 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on Sunday as one of the most profitable from the trading point of view, and would be prepared to reduce their hours of opening at other times if they could open their shops at the time referred to; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to meet the needs of the retail confectionery trade?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second and third parts, I have no information at present to show that the hours do not meet the needs generally of the retail confectionery trade, and I do not contemplate introducing legislation such as the hon. Member suggests.