HC Deb 11 November 1937 vol 328 cc1828-9
44. Mr. Groves

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the serious unrest among traders in London who are obeying the provisions of the Sunday Trading Restriction Act, 1936. but who are feeling the effects of the unfair competition of those shopkeepers who are breaking the law and have only been given nominal penalties when summoned by the London County Council, he will circularise magistrates with regard to the infliction of penalties such as to secure that the Act may not be brought into contempt as was the Sunday Observance Act, 1677, and also that further breaches of the law may not be occasioned?

Sir S. Hoare

I understand that the penalties generally have been small, though in certain recent instances substantial fines were imposed. It would not be proper for me to offer any advice to magistrates as to the amount of the penalties which they should impose.

Mr. Groves

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the continuance of this breakage of the law, there is to be a mass protest in South London on Sunday when 3,000 shopkeepers will keep open, not because they are law-breakers, but because they desire to call public attention to the lack of enforcement of an Act passed by this House; and will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if this thing grows it will make a farce of the Sunday Trading Restriction Act?

Sir S. Hoare

I was not aware of those facts, and I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for giving them to me. They raise a much wider issue than the question on the Paper, and perhaps he will put a question down.

Mr. Groves

After next Sunday?