§ Mr. SNOWDENasked the Home Secretary if, under the recent Order for the early closing of shops, confectionery can be sold in places of entertainment after 8 p.m., but not in outside shops; and, if so, will he amend the Order to remove this discrimination?
Mr. SAMUELThe general sale of confectionery in places of entertainment would not be permissible under the Order, but in reply to inquiries the Home Office has expressed the view that the customary sales of sweets to persons attending a performance in a place of entertainment for consumption on the premises would come within the exception for the sale of refreshments. I have received representations on the subject from a deputation of the confectionery trades, and I have promised that if evidence can be produced that places of entertainment effectively compete with outside shops and are trying 817W to develop a trade beyond the sales which were customary before the Order, I will certainly consider the matter further.
§ Major HUNTasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the increase in the sales from the penny-in-the-slot machines since the last Early Closing Act; and whether, in view of the effect of this fact upon the smaller shops and the inconvenience caused by the closing of these small shops so early to the working people, the small shops will be permitted to have penny-in-the-slot machines outside their doors?
Mr. SAMUELThe Courts have decided under the Shop Hours Act that a shopkeeper may erect an automatic machine outside his shop if it be on his own premises, and that such machines are not subject to Closing Orders.