§ 38. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to review or vary the regulations for the early closing of retail shops during the ensuing winter months; whether he has sought agreement with the employers' and workpeople's representatives as to the best possible solution of the problem; and, in view of the urgency, can he now make a statement?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAfter consultation with representatives of shopkeepers and shop assistants, it has been decided to make a Defence Regulation similar to that which operated last winter providing that from the first Sunday in November to the first Sunday in March the general closing hours for shops shall be 6 p.m. and on the late night 7.30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Regulation will enable local authorities after consultation with the persons concerned to vary these hours locally, subject to certain limits. In addition, in certain special areas where for the purpose of easing the transport difficulties it is desirable that shoppers and shop assistants shall travel home before the peak traffic hour, power is taken to make special arrangements after local consultations for the earlier closing of shops, excluding food shops and very small shops. In framing these Regulations regard has been had to the experience obtained last winter and to the importance of not making it unduly difficult for industrial workers to do their necessary shopping.
§ Mr. WalkdenWill my right hon. Friend, in sending out his circular to local 1110 authorities, stress the importance of consultation, keeping in mind that consultation does not merely mean an exchange of letters after the local city fathers have decided policy? Will my right hon. Friend keep that important point in mind?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe Regulations provide that the council should come to a decision after consultation, and I will keep in mind the point my hon. Friend raises.