§ 28. Colonel ENGLANDasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of 1217 the desire of Many local authorities that they should be empowered to suggest on which evening in the week the shops in their respective districts may be open until nine o'clock instead of this closing hour being restricted to Saturday, as provided by the Shops (Early Closing) Act, 1920; and whether he will consider the desirability of taking such action as is possible in that direction?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir; number of local authorities have expressed this desire, but as the law stands there is no power to meet it. The suggestion will be carefully considered when legislation to amend the Shops Acts is undertaken.