Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords]

Part of Sittings of the House (1 May) – in the House of Commons at 5:54 pm on 30 April 2012.

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Photo of Mark Field Mark Field Conservative, Cities of London and Westminster 5:54, 30 April 2012

I think many of us feel that, 25 years ago or thereabouts, we reached a sensible compromise over Sunday trading, which would benefit smaller businesses while imposing certain restrictions on the large supermarket chains. I support the Bill, especially because the west end shopping organisations desperately want its provisions to be adopted. However, I fear that the lobbying has been carried out solely by the largest supermarkets. I broadly support what those supermarkets do in general, but does the Secretary of State recognise that there is an overwhelming feeling that they not only maintain a dominant position in many of our high streets, but will use the Bill as a precedent for the future?