§ 14. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Yarmouth Town Council recently decided to make an order under the Shops Act, 1928, extending during the summer months the hours of opening of shops on weekdays to 10.30 p.m., providing a maximum limit of 72 hours per week; and if he will refuse his sanction to this proposal?
Mr. STANLEYThe attention of the Department has not previously been called to the order referred to. I would point out to the hon. Member that an order of this nature would be made by the local authority under Section 6 of the Shops (Hours of Closing) Act, 1928, and would not require the Secretary of State's sanction.
§ Mr. DAVIESIn view of the fact that it is obvious that shop assistants in this town will be compelled to work at least 72 hours a week, is it not possible for the Home Office to call the attention of this authority to the very retrograde step that they are taking?
Mr. STANLEYThe hon. Member will realise that, as long as the provisions of the Act of Parliament which was passed 1994 by this House are in force, my right hon. Friend has no standing in the matter.
§ Mr. DAVIESHas not the Home Office some influence with a local authority like this, without calling in the aid of the law?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the Undersecretary aware that the Act under which the Home Office are operating was largely due to the efforts of the hon. Gentleman opposite; and that the proprietors of these establishments are finding it very hard to make a living and wish to employ as many assistants as possible?
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the Minister bear in mind the fact that there is only so much trade to be done in a week, and that all this trade can be done during the present opening hours?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs my hon. Friend aware that that argument would justify the opening of shops for only four hours a day?