§ Mr. COURTHOPEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received communications from town and borough councils praying for an amendment of the Shops Act to enable the local authorities, having jurisdiction in places frequented as holiday resorts, to make suspension orders for particular classes of shops during a period of not exceeding four months, instead of 2499W the power, already possessed by them, of making similar suspension orders in respect of all shops; and whether he will give favourable consideration to this request?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have received several communications to the effect stated in the question. I am not satisfied that it would be desirable to grant a power of exemption in respect of particular trades only, but the question raised will be noted for consideration when the time comes for reviewing the working of the Act. The matter does not appear to be an urgent but the question raised will be noted for has the power of granting a general exemption.