§ 74. Mr. Purbrickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that many shops have permanent blackout, thus necessitating artificial lighting, he will prohibit this and make the closing time always precede the blackout time?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)I sympathise with the object which my hon. Friend has in view, but the many factors which have to be taken into account in determining both the type of blackout and the closing times of shops preclude such general action as he suggests. Regional Commissioners have power, after consultation, to make orders fixing special closing hours in winter in localities where circumstances require such action.