HC Deb 14 December 1932 vol 273 cc344-5
47. Mr. MORGAN JONES (for Mr. THORNE)

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the large multiple stores work their staffs during the Christmas holidays, although the shops are closed to the public; and what steps he proposes to take to put an end to this practice?

Sir J. GILMOUR

If the hon. Member is referring to the public holidays when the shops are accustomed to close for the whole day, I have no information as to any such practice.

Mr. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake inquiries into this matter, and will he agree that wherever this practice is followed it is, in point of fact, a violation, if not of the letter, at least of the spirit of the law?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am ready to receive any information which the hon. Member may be able to give me on this subject.

Mr. RHYS DAVIES

Will the hon. Gentleman make himself familiar with the report of the Select Committee on Shop Assistants, in which he will find a great deal of information to verify the statement in the question?

Sir J. GILMOUR

If there is any offence against the Shops Act alleged here, it will be a matter for the local authority and not for me.

Mr. MABANE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no justification for the assumption upon which this question is based?