§ 29. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a decision given in the Queen's Bench Division, that kippers may be sold on Sunday on the ground that they may conceivably he eaten in the raw state and, on this ground, come within the category of meals and refreshments; and, in view of this and other anomalies, whether he will now undertake to introduce legislation at an early date to amend and consolidate the Shops Acts.
§ Mr. DeedesMy right hon. and gallant Friend has studied a report of the case. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 10th May to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler).
§ Mr. DoddsHas the hon. Gentleman ever eaten a raw kipper? Does he know anyone who has done so? If not, is not the present position a stupid state of affairs? Could not something be done to bring the law into a proper state?
§ Mr. DeedesMy right hon. and gallant Friend agrees that the law on the closing 431 hours of shops does stand in need of amendment; it is simply a question of finding Parliamentary time.