Captain A. EVANSasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the majority of small, in most cases one-man, tobacco and confectionery shops in the provinces depend entirely upon the theatre and music-hall trade, he will give permission to these shops to remain open till 9 p.m., provided always that no paid employe remains on duty after 8 p.m.?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe sale of tobacco is subject to the general closing hours fixed by the Shops (Early Closing) Act, 1920, namely, 8 p.m. on days other than Saturday and 9 p.m. on Saturday, but in the case of confectionery, these hours have
Production 1921. Imports into U.K., 1921. Percentage. Production 1st six months, 1922 Imports into U.K. 1st six months, 1922. Percentage. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Canada … 25,000 Nil. — 12,000 Nil — Australia … 8,000 Nil. — 4,000 Nil — Trinidad … 334,000 108,205 30.89 161,000 60,076 37.31 British India … 1,285,000 11,170 .87 575,000 7318 1.27 Sarawak … 199,000 13,955 7.81 178,000 Nil —