§ 24. Mr. SCRYMGEOURasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the great disadvantage under which the retail sale of fruit is conducted through the restriction of closing hours to 8 p.m. on week days and 9 p.m. on Saturdays as compared with the retail sale of confectionery up to 9.30 on week-days and 10 o'clock on Saturdays; and will he take steps to introduce such amending legislation as would put the retail dealers in perishable goods on the same footing as those engaged in the confectionery business?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe closing hours referred to were fixed by the Act passed last Session giving effect to the recommendations made by a Departmental Committee after an exhaustive inquiry. I am not prepared to introduce legislation amending that Act as it applies to the sale of fruit.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOURDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise the gross injustice which is done under these conditions, and will he not therefore do his best to facilitate such a step being taken?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe hon. Member must realise that he must bring very strong representations for an alteration in the law, in view of the very recent legislation which this House passed.