HC Deb 31 October 1939 vol 352 cc1757-8W
Mr. W. R. Duckworth

asked the Home Secretary whether, before fixing the emergency closing of shops, he will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to its effect on the payment of Income Tax by shopkeepers, the Minister of Health as to the effect on the payment of rates, the Minister of Labour as to the effect on employment, and the Minister of Agriculture as to the effect on the convenience of workers on the land and representatives of the public whose shopping hours, owing to the existence of war-work, are now materially altered?

Sir J. Anderson

The Order in Council (S.R. & 0. 1939, No. 1464) providing for earlier closing of shops was made on the 19th October. Before the Order was made I made careful inquiries and took into consideration the position of shopkeepers and shop assistants as well as the needs of the general public.

Mr. Denville

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the Shops Closing Order, in view of the widespread opposition of the small shopkeepers who fear that by this Order they will eventually lose their means of livelihood?

Sir J. Anderson

I certainly propose to review the Order in the light of experience of its actual operation.