§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the enforcement of the Shops Acts is a Statutory duty of local authorities, he will, having regard to the recent action of the Nottingham magistrates in dismissing several fairly proved charges, consider the advisability of addressing a communication to all magistrates, calling their attention to the law on this ques- 2148W tion, in order that local authorities may not be discouraged in the discharge of their duties?
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not think any such communication is necessary. I believe that magistrates generally are well aware of the duty laid on local authorities to enforce the Acts, and, excepting the Nottingham City Council, I have received no complaint from any local authority.