§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what action, if any, they intend to take in the light of the decision in the case Stone v. Boreham so as to secure that the limitations of the hours during which retail trade or business may be carried on, as set down in the Shops Act, 1950, may apply equally to shopkeepers and persons trading elsewhere than in a shop.]
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, although no legislation on this matter is at present contemplated, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary will keep it in mind.
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his reply, may I ask him whether Her Majesty's Government are aware that there is now legal sanction for gross unfairness as between one retailer and another, both of whom are selling the same class of goods, and whether Her Majesty's Government are prepared to allow this situation to continue indefinitely?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government are, I think, quite well aware of the situation. I am also aware that there is another school of thought on the matter.