HC Deb 12 November 1936 vol 317 c1027
29. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Borne Secretary whether in view of the unsatisfactory inspection under the Shops Acts by some local authorities, he will consider setting up a special department for this purpose on similar lines to those of factory and workshop inspection?

Sir J. SIMON

No, Sir. I have no evidence before me which would justify such a radical departure from the principle of local administration of these Acts, which has been deliberately re-affirmed by Parliament in two recent Statutes.

Mr. DAVIES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of calling for an annual report from all local authorities in order to find out how these Acts of Parliament are working?

Sir J. SIMON

I will, of course, consider the hon. Gentleman's suggestion, but, as he knows, the Home Office has always been ready to take up cases brought to its attention, and there have been instances undoubtedly in which good results have followed.