Orders of the Day — Shops Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 10:15 am on 4 February 1983.

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Photo of Mr Edward Graham Mr Edward Graham , Enfield Edmonton 10:15, 4 February 1983

I shall give way in a moment. Do we blame the small shopkeeper who has had to go out of business? Do we condemn distant ownership for pulling out? Do we subsidise those who are willing to remain, and if so how? The eclipse of small shopkeepers in the Scottish Highlands is very worrying, not only for those who live there but for those of us who are concerned about the general pattern. The Welsh Consumer Council recently drew our attention to its concern for the disabled and elderly when small shops close. Fierce competition will not assist people in that category.