§ 36. Sir C. Rawsonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that proprietors of tea rooms are often in doubt as to what they may or may not in the course of their business sell on Sundays; and whether, in view of the complicated nature of the law, he will consider issuing an official statement instancing offences for which these people can be prosecuted, with a view to assisting them to keep the law?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)My right hon. Friend is aware that some difficulty has been experienced, but he has no authority to issue any such statement as my hon. Friend suggests. Shop keepers who are in doubt as to their position should consult the local authority who are charged with the administration of the Act
§ Mr. FlemingHas my hon. Friend received any complaints with regard to the present working of this Shops Act, particularly about Sunday trading?
§ 42. Mr. Higgsasked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have granted exemption up till 10 a.m. under the Shops (Sunday Trading Restrictions) Act, 1936; whether he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in the more densely populated areas because exemption cannot be granted up till 1 p.m.; and will he take steps to meet this demand?
§ Mr. LloydI am afraid I have no precise information as to the number of partial exemption Orders which have been made under Section 2 of the Act. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the attention of my right hon. Friend has not previously been drawn to complaints of the kind indicated, but in any event the action suggested by my hon. Friend could not be taken without amendment of the law.