§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his statement of 26 November relating to the Shops Act 1950—Official Report, columns 997–98—if he will set out the grounds on which he considers the Shops Act 1950 to be in abeyance; and if he will make a statement on the consequences for local authorities.
§ Mr. Peter LloydPending the decision of the European Court, there is doubt whether the provisions for Sunday trading in the Shops Act 1950 are consistent with Community law, but my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary made it clear to the House on 26 November that, as my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General explained to the House on 11 May at columns 367–68, local authorities can still issue summonses and apply for interim injunctions against retailers. Local authorities must decide for themselves what action to take.