§ 6. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received in the last six months about the law in respect of Sunday trading in Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn the past six months, letters from two people have been received advocating the imposition of restrictions on Sunday trading in Scotland.
§ Mr. MarshallDoes my hon. Friend accept that the fact that so few people have written in suggests that the vast majority of Scottish people are satisfied with the present law, under which there are no restrictions on Sunday trading? Does he agree that it is high time that the people of England enjoyed similar benefits? Is he aware that in 1986, 43 Scottish Labour, SNP and Liberal Members voted against the people of England enjoying benefits similar to those in Scotland? Does not it illustrate the humbug talked by those hon. Members?
They object to English Members coming to Scottish Question Time, but are willing to vote on legislation that affects the people of England and Wales.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy hon. Friend is correct that the current arrangements in Scotland are operating satisfactorily. The hon. Member for Falkirk, East (Mr. Ewing) introduced the original Bill on licensing, the terms of which were warmly welcomed. It was supplemented with recent measures in the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland)—Act 1990. There is one minor exception to the Sunday trading laws in Scotland which relates to hairdressers and barbers. The point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) is, in the first instance, a matter for the Home Secretary and, ultimately, as far as it relates to England and Wales, for the House of Commons. The House will have noted what my hon. Friend said.
§ Mr. FoulkesI was one of the Members who voted against the wholesale extension of Sunday trading to England because at present Sunday trading in Scotland is fairly limited. If it were extended to England it is believed that all the multiples throughout the United Kingdom would open. If the retail trade presented a compromise proposal for limited opening—and such a proposal is being discussed—some Opposition Members and some Conservative Members might be willing to reconsider the issue.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSunday trading in Scotland is limited to areas in which the communities have 342 made it clear that Sunday opening is welcome. There has been considerable sensitivity to the wishes of the communities concerned. I think that the majority of people take the view that collecting a bottle of milk or a newspaper on Sunday from the local shop does not impair the sanctity of the Sabbath.
§ Miss Emma NicholsonI am delighted to hear the Minister say that there are some sensitivities in Scotland on Sunday trading. As I have significant Scottish blood stretching back over 980 years, I am glad to have the opportunity to express the views of people in western Scotland. Does the Minister agree that the success of Sunday trading in areas of Scotland where people want it is due to the exceptional economic boom in Scotland under a Conservative Government?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI agree with my hon. Friend that we have brought substantial economic advantages to Scotland. I welcome her view, especially as a few days ago in Glasgow city chambers she made a good speech on behalf of ADAPT, access for disabled people to arts premises. These issues should be borne in mind, and I have no doubt that in due course the House will wish to consider them.