§ 59. Captain Pluggeasked the Home Secretary whether, in issuing any circular or instructions in connection with the Shops (Sunday Trading) Act, he will consider the desirability of providing a full exposition with regard to the schedule, in view of the uncertainty of traders as to what particular goods will be included as permissible for sale on Sunday?
§ Mr. LloydIt is intended, before the Act comes into force, to publish and place on sale an explanatory memorandum for the guidance of traders and others concerned, but my right hon. Friend is afraid that he could not undertake to give effect to my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. The Home Office has no authority to interpret the law, and the best course for any trader who is in doubt as to his position will be to seek the advice of the local authority which is responsible for the administration of the Act in his area.
§ Captain PluggeCan my hon. Friend give an assurance that a comprehensive definition of the articles which are permitted to be sold on Sundays will be given in the schedule, in order to avoid a variety of different interpretations in various parts of the country?
§ OFFICIAL REPORT the information for which he asks as regards English areas. The request for similar information regarding Glasgow should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Following is the information:
Mr. AlexanderIs there any reason at all why an explanatory memorandum should not be issued for this Act, such as was issued in 1931 in connection with the Marketing Act?
§ Mr. LloydI am afraid the right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood me. We do intend to issue an explanatory memorandum; but I pointed out in the second part of my answer that that explanatory memorandum could not go quite to the length of interpreting the law.