Call for local authority power in trading bill

CATHOLIC MP, Sir David Price, has urged the Government to amend its Sunday trading. bill to allow local authorities to decide whether or not to permit shops to open on the Sabbath.
Under his scheme, local councils would also set hours of opening.
Sir David, Conservatiye Eastleigh, pointed out in a letter to the Times last week: "The local authotities have long experience as the enforcement agencies for trading hours, so there is nothing new in placing the responsibility upon them."
Sir David argued that his suggested local option amendment is simpler than that rejected by the Lords. It would also allow for "possible nationally determined
exemptions such as the sale of newspapers".
Meanwhile, the Keep Sunday Special Campaign, supported by Cardinal Hume, has expressed its delight at news that the Government may delay the bill's passage, until after Easter, in response to popular pressure.
The director of the campaign, Dr Michael Schluter, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Government has, at the eleventh hour, recognised the massive opposition which has now been clearly demonstrated against the idea of total deregulation of trading on Sundays."
Last week, Labour MP, Jack Ashton suggested to the Prime Minister that MPs should meet at 9.30 am on a Sunday to consider the second reading of the Shops Bill. Mrs Thatcher said she had taken his point.