§ 49. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the recent prosecution under the Shops Act, 1912, of Robert Lindsay and five other jewellers in Oban; is he aware that these jewellers constitute a clear majority of that particular class, and that they have thrice petitioned the local authority, in 1924, 1925, and 1926, craving exemption from closing their place of business on any weekly half-holiday in terms of Subsection (4) of Section 4 of the Shops Act, 1912, but the local authority have declined to give effect to their petitions; and will he inquire into this case?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have communicated with the local authority in regard to the matter referred to in the question which had not previously been brought to my notice. I understand that petitions were presented in 1924 and 1925 and that a third petition was presented on the 8th instant and is presently under consideration. My information does not show whether the petitioners are a majority of the jewellers in Oban. The action to be taken on the petition falls to be decided by the local authority on whom is laid the duty of administering the Shops Act.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take supposing a local authority fails in its duty?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a hypothetical question.