§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Home Secretary what are the arrangements he has made in extending shop hours during Christmas; whether those arrangements follow precedent; and, if not, in what respect do they differ from previous concessions in this connection?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt has been customary each year, since the General Early Closing Order fixing evening closing hours for shops came into force, to suspend its operation for a certain number of days at Christmas, and, in accordance with this practice, I have made an Order this year suspending it from Friday, 17th December, to Friday, 24th December, both days inclusive. The actual number of days during which the Early Closing Order has been suspended has varied from five to 10 days, being determined each year according to the particular circumstances; and, in deciding this year on the period above mentioned, I had regard to the views expressed by various important trade associations 43W which approached me on the subject, as well as to the precedents. I would add that this suspension of the General Early Closing Order does not relieve occupiers of shops and others from compliance with the weekly half-holiday or other requirements of the Shops Acts of 1912 and 1913, or any local Orders in force under those Acts.