HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1497-8
8. Commander Kerans

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to bring up to date the Shops Act 1950, and to remove anomalies in its operation, with particular reference to the Fifth Schedule, under which it is permissible for shops in England and Wales to remain open on Sundays for the sale of fodder for horses, mules, ponies and donkeys at any farm, stables, hotel or inn.

25. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to amend the Shops Act to restore to small retailers the freedom to trade on Sundays and at hours not at present allowed in order to enable them to compete against multiple retail stores.

Mr. Brooke

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave on 5th February to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. W. Clark).

Commander Kerans

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the Shops Act, 1950, is full of extraordinary anomalies, especially regarding Sunday opening? If we are to have a Bill on resale price maintenance, should we not also amend the Shops Act and bring it into line with the present age of the 'sixties?

Mr. Brooke

I am sure that we should not wish to take any steps about Sunday opening of shops until we have received the report of the Crathorne Committee. The 1950 Act contains a number of anomalies. I hope that my hon. and gallant Friend will not take it amiss when I point out that the Fifth Schedule not only permits the sale of fodder for horses and mules on a Sunday, but also of cooked or partly-cooked tripe.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Can my right hon. Friend say when the Crathorne Committee is likely to report? Is he aware that from such researches as I have been able to make, whereas it is possible to buy fish and chips in a café, it is illegal to buy fish and chips in a shop on a Sunday morning?

Mr. Brooke

I am not sure when the Committee will report, but if my hon. Friend has any points which he thinks should be brought to the attention of the Committee, it is still in session.

Sir J. Eden

In the consultations my right hon. Friend is holding to discuss the operation of this Act, will he take into account the powers of local authorities to enforce a half-day closing of shops, which directly militates against the introduction of a proper five-day working week?

Mr. Brooke

That is one of the points on which I have sought the views of all interested associations.