§ 32. Mr. Manderasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the experience gained in the practicability of earlier closing hours for shops, he will consider the advisability of continuing the present hours throughout the year in the interests of the shop assistants?
§ Mr. PeakeAs my hon. Friend is aware, there are other interests to be taken into account, including those of industrial workers who need facilities for shopping after they leave their employment, and I am not on my present information in a position to make a statement on this subject.
§ Mr. ManderWill my hon. Friend bear in mind in coming to a decision the great opportunity that now presents itself for making a reform which will be of great benefit to many people?
§ Mr. PeakeYes, Sir, but I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the Debate on this subject on 24th January last year, when the difficulties of carrying out a 1516 reform of this kind without legislation were pointed out.
§ Mr. Rhys DaviesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that late shopping is simply a bad habit and that the public are getting accustomed to shopping earlier?