Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for what reasons specialist confectionary shops that sell (a) fudge, (b) sweets or (c) chocolate are classified as essential retailers during the covid-19 lockdown.

The Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close and has set out guidance on which organisations this requirement covers and what the exceptions are.

All food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops are permitted to remain open.