§ 20. Mr. Mathewasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases during the past twelve months have county councils refused to delegate their powers to control Sunday trading on application for such delegation by local authorities; and if he will name the county councils and authorities concerned.
§ Mr. DeedesAs far as my right hon. and gallant Friend is aware, no county council in England and Wales has in the past twelve months refused to delegate to county district councils their power to make orders under the Shops Act, 1950, about Sunday trading.
§ Mr. MathewWould not my hon. Friend agree generally that, owing to the varying conditions in various areas, this matter is best left to the local authorities to decide? Would he please look into a case if I submit it to him of one county council which has refused such applications?
§ Mr. DeedesI shall be glad to look into any case which my hon. Friend produces, but I stress that the only power which my right hon. and gallant Friend has in the matter is to approve delegation proposals by county councils. He cannot compel them to delegate unless they wish to do so.