§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on opening hours for shops on Sundays in Northern Ireland. [7017]
§ Mr. MossThe opening hours of shops on Sundays in Northern Ireland are regulated by the Shops Act (Northern Ireland) 1946, which is currently under review. With some exceptions, it prohibits shops from opening on a Sunday other than for the sale of a limited list of goods and transactions. Comments on the proposal for a draft Shops (Sunday Trading etc.) (NI) Order, intended partially to deregulate the present restrictions on Sunday trading, are now being considered.