§ Mr. Marlandasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has reached about the operation of the Shops Act 1950; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrittanThere is widespread agreement that the restrictions on trading during the week and on Sundays in the Shops Act 1950 are in need of reform, but there are strong and conflicting opinions as to the way in which this should be achieved. Accordingly the Government have decided to establish a committee of inquiry with the following terms of reference.
To consider what changes are needed in the Shops Act, having regard to the interests of consumers, employers and employees and to the traditional character of Sunday, and to make recommendations as to how these should be achieved.The committee will consist of a chairman and two members whose names will be announced in due course. To assist the committee I will invite those representing the main interests concerned with shop opening hours to nominate representatives from whom I will appoint assessors to contribute to the compilation and evaluation of the evidence. Provision is also being made for an independent review of the economic effects of repealing the restrictions on shop trading hours to aid the committee in its work.