Sunday Trading

Lord Bishop of Chester Excerpts

Monday 14th December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Neville-Rolfe]

My Lords, under our proposals, this would be a matter for local authorities. I know that they have different views on how to benefit their local economies and SMEs, but actually, this measure could be good for SMEs, particularly in areas with great tourism potential, where the footfall would help small companies—not only retail shops but restaurants and leisure outlets, for example.

[The Lord Bishop of Chester]

My Lords, would a useful reform be to go back to the good old days when people were paid double time for working on Sunday; then, shops, in the main, would not want to open? If I introduced a Private Member’s Bill, would the Government support me?

[Baroness Neville-Rolfe]

My Lords, we have not taken decisions yet in relation to our proposals, or on what legislative vehicle would be appropriate.