§ 12. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received concerning amendment of the Shops Act 1950.
§ Mr. MellorSince answering a similar question from my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Hughes) on 14 June, 223 written representations broadly in favour of Sunday trading and 38 against have been received.
§ 40. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to find a compromise solution to the problem of the trading hours of small local shops, following recent decisions on Sunday trading by the European Court and courts in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MellorWe continue to encourage the interested parties to try to reach agreement on a way forward which is likely to command parliamentary support.