§ Mr. Don Dixon (Jarrow)I wish to present a petition from my constituents in Jarrow against the Shops Bill. I know that this is somewhat belated in view of what has just happened, but in fairness to the thousands of people who signed this petition I feel that I am in duty bound to present it to the House of Commons.
The petition states:
Keep Sunday Special.To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.The humble petition of residents of Jarrow constituency showeth that the undersigned are opposed to the provision for unlimited Sunday Trading in the Shops Bill currently before Parliament. Recongnising that Sunday has special characteristics as a day of rest, recreation and worship for the benefit of our family and community life.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House do maintain legal limitations on Sunday Trading to ensure that the special character of Sunday is protected.And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.The petition was signed by 1,286 of my constituents from Jarrow, Hebburn. Boldon and Whitburn, and is headed by the Rev. J. W. Tweedy of the Sacred Heart Presbytery at Boldon colliery. It was handed in to my surgery on Saturday by an old workmate of mine, Eddie Goodall. The petition may be a bit belated now, but bearing in mind what has happened tonight, my constituents in Jarrow were right. Like my constituents, the majority of hon. Members are opposed to the Bill. I should be obliged if you would accept the petition, Mr. Speaker.
§ To lie upon the Table.