HC Deb 27 March 1941 vol 370 cc696-7
42. Mr. Leslie

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that shops today are almost entirely staffed by women owing to the call-up of men assistants to military service; and whether he will decline to accede to any demand for an extension of shopping hours, keeping in mind the fact that medical evidence given before shop hours inquiries has condemned long hours in shops as being detrimental to the health of women shop assistants?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am aware that the proportion of women employed in shops has greatly increased in recent months, and I can assure my hon. Friend that should representations be made for an extension of shopping hours, I should not overlook the considerations to which he refers.

Mr. Leslie

Will the Minister be very careful indeed in acceding to any demand for an extension of shop hours, and will he bear in mind the difficulties of staffs at the present time in regard to rationing, and the many hours these women have to work in a vitiated atmosphere?

Mr. Morrison

I will certainly take those points into account.