Jewish Shops Opening on Sundays Must Close on Saturdays: Second Reading of New Shops Bill Carried in

The Shops (Sunday Trading Restrictions) Bill which repeals the Sunday Observance Act of 1677 and provides for the closing of shops on Sunday with special exceptions, was given a second reading in the House of Commons to-day, on the motion of Mr. E. F. Wise (Labour).

One of the cases for special treatment, Mr. Wise said, was the East End of London, where in certain areas it was customary to have businesses open on Sundays. It was also customary to have businesses to be closed on Saturdays. The Bill made provision for the exemption of Jewish traders from the general provision for Sunday closing. Under proper precautions an order would be made by the local authorities that where such shops were opened on Sundays they must be closed on Saturdays. There would be proper notices issued bearing on this point and proper administration to secure that the provisions were carried out. There were also provisions that the 52 street markets in London would be governed by the same orders issued by local authorities concerning shops.