HC Deb 23 June 1949 vol 466 cc439-40
33. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his intention to introduce legislation to deal with the anomalies arising out of the Sunday Observance Acts.

Mr. Younger

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on 17th February last to my hon. Friend the Member for Dagenham (Mr. Parker).

Mr. Shepherd

Does that mean the Government intend to continue condoning the practices under these Acts which are regarded by many people as being highly undesirable?

Mr. Younger

I do not think that is the way to put it. I was asked whether legislation was contemplated, and the reply to which I referred the hon. Member was to the effect that my right hon. Friend can hold out no prospect of early legislation.

Mr. Benn Levy

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is highly desirable to prevent ill-disposed busybodies utilising ancient laws for the purpose of interfering with individual liberties in the manner of the Lord's Day Observance Society.