§ Sir F. SANDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increasing number of shops which are opened on Sunday for the sale of clothing, boots, and other non-perishable goods and of the handicap this inflicts on shopkeepers who do not desire to open on Sundays, and in the interests of shop assistants, he will consider increasing the penalty of 5s. for infringement prescribed under the Act of 1676 to such an amount as will render the Act effective, or introduce legislation to deal with this practice?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI appreciate the considerations mentioned by my hon. Friend, and, as I stated to a deputation from representatives of employers and employed in the distributive trades which I received in the early part of this year, I should personally welcome a discussion in this House on the question of amendment of the law relating to Sunday trading. I am afraid, however, that, so far as the Government are concerned, I cannot hold out any present prospect of legislation on this subject.