§ 32. Mr. Saltasked the Home Secretary whether, in consideration that both men and women are now working long hours on munitions, including Saturday afternoons and Sundays up to 4 and 5 p.m., he will take steps to relax the restrictions due to the Sunday Trading Act, 1936, and so enable these people to make their necessary purchases?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe provisions of the Sunday Trading Act allowed of a number of exemptions and I have no evidence that further relaxation is necessary at the present time.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIn dealing with any problems of this kind will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that shop assistants are now working longer hours than munition workers?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir, I recognise that that must be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. SaltUndoubtedly there is evidence in industrial areas that some provision is seriously needed in order that workers can have the opportunity of purchasing necessities.
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps the hon. Member will let me have any evidence he has on the subject.
§ Mr. LeslieIs the Minister aware that there is no occupation in this country which has contributed more men to the Army and Navy than the distributive trades, and that girls are now filling the men's places?