§ 27. Mr. Dolandasked the Home Secretary how many closing orders have been made under Sections 5 and 6 of the Shops Act, 1912, and are in operation at the present time; how many such orders apply to all shops in the area and to shops of any specified class, respectively, and the names of the local authorities in whose areas such orders have been made; and whether any orders are now awaiting his consideration?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs the answer contains a number of figures I will with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The records show that 1,065 closing orders, made by 356 separate local authorities under Section 5 of the Shops Act, 1912, and confirmed by the Secretary of State under Section 6 of that Act, are at 308 present in force. Twenty-nine of these orders apply specifically to all classes of shop which can be made the subject of a closing order; the remaining 1,036 orders apply either to one or to more than one specified class of shop. I am sending my hon. Friend the names of the 356 authorities which have made orders. Four orders are at present under consideration.