§ Mr. Wareingasked the Attorney-General what plans he has to seek to take action against the owners of shops who are acting in contravention of the Sunday trading laws.
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§ The Attorney-GeneralSection 71 of the Shops Act 1950 places the duty to enforce the Sunday trading provisions on local authorities. Those authorities have power to prosecute offenders and, where appropriate, to institute proceedings to have offenders restrained by injunction from further contravention of the law. These powers are sufficient to enable local authorities to fulfill their statutory responsibility and are used throughout England and Wales. The existence of these powers does not derogate from my general power to seek the enforcement of obedience to the law and, if the public interest so requires, it is open to me to bring proceedings "ex officio". I have taken the view that at present no action on my part is required but I am continuing to monitor the situation and have asked for the help of the Association of District Councils in doing so.