HC Deb 21 July 1926 vol 198 cc1216-7
41. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to bring in some form of legislation to cancel the present laws which limit the hours during which ice-creams, chocolates and cigarettes may be purchased; and whether he is aware that such concessions would be of convenience to the public generally?

42. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Home Secretary whether, having regard to the comfort and convenience of holiday makers in the immediate future, he can see his way to take steps to make legal the purchase of cigarettes after 8 p.m. and ice-cream later than 9.30 p.m. and bring to an end restrictions imposed on such sales during the period of the War?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)

I am fully alive to the importance of this question as affecting both the convenience of customers and the interests of shopkeepers and shop assistants, but any legislation to amend the existing Acts would, I fear, be highly controversial, and I can hold out no hope of legislation this Session.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the intense feeling that exists throughout the, country in reference to this matter, and will he reconsider the opinion he has given us to-day and bring in some legislation?

Mr. RADFORD

Will he also take into account the feeling throughout the country that shop assistants' hours are quite long enough?

Several hon. Members rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

Hon. Members had better discuss that amongst themselves.