§ 61. Mr. Padleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what detailed evidence was submitted to him to support the claim of the National Union of Retail Confectioners that 15 per cent. of the confectionery trade is done after 7 p.m.; and what estimate he has made as to how many of the 230,000 retail outlets for confectionery now remain open after 7 p.m., and would be compelled to close if the Shops Bill as at present drafted became law.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerFrom all the representations I have received, I am satisfied that a substantial amount of trade in sugar confectionery is done after 7 p.m., and that undue hardship would be caused if the Bill were not amended to allow it to continue.