Sunday Trading (Scotland) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:06 pm on 7 February 2003.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Anne McGuire Anne McGuire The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland 12:06, 7 February 2003

I accept my hon. Friend's point, but the reality is that Argos identified a gap in the law. It took a decision for its own best reasons, and although I do not accept them, it was Argos's decision and it had the right to take it. In that sense, we need to be at least halfway generous towards Argos.

I should say that I have no axe to grind so far as Argos is concerned. I have a couple of sofas from Argos that are really quite comfortable, and other Members probably do as well; then again, perhaps not. I reassure my hon. Friend Mr. MacDonald that, in addition to being able to book online with it, Argos delivers to the Western Isles via the fish lorries. I have had sofas delivered to the Western Isles, for which Argos charges a very modest additional sum. [Interruption.] If Mr. Carmichael wishes to comment on Argos's trading agreements with Orkney and Shetland, I should be delighted. [Interruption.] When a Minister offers to give way