HC Deb 21 January 1943 vol 386 c305W
Mr. E. Walkden

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give an assurance that, before agreeing to the restoration of the pre-war hours of shop opening, he will hold an inquiry into the hours and conditions of women shop assistants with a view to the shortening of the hours and betterment of the conditions?

Mr. H. Morrison

As the pre-war provisions of the law will—in the absence of fresh legislation—automatically come into operation when the Emergency Powers expire, I am not in a position to give the assurance for which my hon. Friend asks: but when the time is opportune for a review of the provisions of the Shops Acts, his representations regarding women assistants will be borne in mind, and the question considered in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.