§ 9. Mr. TAYLORasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the failure of some local authorities to enforce the Shops Act, 1912, particularly in regard to proceedings against persons who are alleged to have failed to observe its provisions; and whether he will consider the desirability of securing greater powers for his Department in such cases?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSComplaints of this kind are received in my Department from time to time and when they appear to be substantial are taken up with the local authority. It is only in rare instances that there has been reason to think that the local authority was not making a proper exercise of its discretion, and there is certainly no evidence at present before me to justify me in seeking any special power of intervention. If the hon. Member has any special cases in mind and will furnish me with particulars, I should be glad to investigate them.
§ Mr. TAYLORHas the right hon. Gentleman any powers to compel local authorities to carry out these Acts?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have power to call their attention to the Acts, and I find that the courteous calling of their attention is generally fairly effective.