§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the views of the Small Traders' Association of Greenock, regarding the hardships entailed by the early closing of shops, as conveyed to him by the hon. Member for Greenock; what alleviation he is prepared to grant to such small traders in this regard; and whether he will give an assurance that the present restriction on the hours of shopping will be removed, and pre-war hours re-introduced at the end of the present winter?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe views of the association referred to have been brought to my notice. As the association are aware local authorities have discretion to vary within certain limits the general closing hours fixed by the Order-in-Council, and I understand that they are about to submit to the Corporation of Greenock an application for such a variation. The working of the Order-in-Council is at present under review, and the views of the association will be borne in mind along with those of other bodies concerned.