HC Deb 21 July 1927 vol 209 cc560-1
14. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists owing to the fact that licensed houses in certain parts of London are compelled to close at nine o'clock on Sunday evenings; and whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to put all the licensed houses in the Metropolis on the same basis, closing at 10 o'clock p.m.?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I regret that I am not prepared, without much further consideration, to let loose the floodgates of licensing legislation.

Sir F. HALL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by adopting this method there will be a reduction of one hour of Sunday trading? On one side of Oxford Street they open at 6 and close at 9 and on the other side they open at 7 and close at 10. If they all opened at 7 and closed at 10, that would reduce it by an hour.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the satisfactory experience of Sunday closing in Scotland, will the Government not adopt the same in England?