§ 40. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will outline the Government's reactions to the report recommending changes in the laws on Sunday trading.
§ Mr. MellorI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Mr. Wheeler) on 16 November, at column 365.
§ Mr. Mark Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the report of the committee of inquiry into proposals to amend the Shops Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanI am publishing the committee's report today. As I said when I set up this committee last year, there is widespread agreement that the present law is unsatisfactory and in need of reform and I am grateful to Mr. Robin Auld, the chairman and his two committee members Mrs. Liliana Archibald and Miss Frances Cairncross for the depth and extent of their study. I welcome the report, which we wish to consider carefully, in the light of reactions to it, before reaching any conclusions.