§ 33. Mr. William Shepherdasked 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. YoungerI 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. ShepherdDoes that mean the Government intend to continue condoning the practices under these Acts which are regarded by many people as being highly undesirable?
§ Mr. YoungerI 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 LevyWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that it is highly desirable to 440 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.