HC Deb 16 February 1938 vol 331 cc1898-9W
Mr. C. Wilson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the number of proof gallons of British and imported spirits, the number of bulk and standard barrels of British and imported beer, and the number of gallons of British and imported wines retained for consumption in Northern Ireland during the year ended 31st December, 1937; and the estimated revenue attributable to each class of liquor?

Sir J. Simon

The estimated quantities of home-made and imported spirits and beer, sweets (British wines) and imported wine, retained for consumption in Northern Ireland during the calendar year 1937, and the estimated revenue attributable thereto, are as follow:

holiday during the week; that the judgment may be held to extend to travelling shops and thus place these vehicles entirely outside the provisions of the various Shops Acts, thus involving freedom to work young persons under 16 years of age on such vehicles for unlimited hours, and permitting travelling shops in general to sell goods during unlimited hours; and will he state whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation to avoid such a wide deterioration in the conditions of distributive employés?

Sir S. Hoare

I am aware of the judgments to which the right hon. Member refers. The situation resulting from these judgments is under consideration but I am not in a position to make any further statement at the moment.

Mr. D. Somerville

asked the Home Secretary whether, now that the full effect of the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act is becoming known, he will obtain reports from the different parts of the country as to the working of this Act and the need for any modifications in time to come?

Sir S. Hoare

The Act has been in force only since last May, and while I am aware that difficulties have arisen on certain points, I have no evidence to indicate that it is not, in general, working satisfactorily. I do not think that any such inquiry as is suggested by the hon. Member is called for at present.