§ Mr. HODGEasked the Home Secretary whether, in the event of the tobacconists in a district deciding under the Shops Act to close one half-day in the week and the local authority makes an order for the purpose, such order would prohibit the sale of tobacco in hotels and similar places at the same time?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the question would depend to some extent on the terms of the order. If an order were made extending the provisions as to closing on a weekly half-holiday to shops in which the sale of tobacco is carried on, it would apply to all premises carrying on retail trade or business of that class. Whether retail trade or business is being carried on in a particular case will be one of fact, but I think it is clear that the sale of tobacco in hotels, public-houses, and similar places to members of the public coming in would be retail trade, and would be prohibited on the day for the weekly half-holiday. I may add that all persons who satisfied the local authority that such sale 1431W formed a substantial part of their business would be entitled to vote on the proposal to make the order.