HC Deb 17 July 1958 vol 591 c1426
38. Mr. Page

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will initiate legislation to bring the mobile shop within the same restrictions as to closing hours as those to which the ordinary retail shop is subjected.

Mr. Renton

I regret that I cannot add to the Answer that my right hon. Friend gave on 26th June to a Question by the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Padley).

Mr. Page

Would not my hon. and learned Friend agree that this is particularly unfair on the ordinary retail shop, and does not he think it should be remedied at an early date?

Mr. Renton

This is not an easy matter to remedy. It would involve a considerable amendment of the shops legislation, and in any event it is doubtful whether this point should be taken on its own.

Mrs. Slater

But does not the hon. Gentleman realise that this is contrary to what is laid down in the Shops Act, and it gives no protection to retailers who have to comply with the Shops Act, whereas the mobile shops can at any time, even on a Sunday, sell goods on housing estates?

Mr. Renton

The hon. Lady's supplementary question shows that this is also a controversial matter.