Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Greg Clark and Victoria Borwick
Victoria Borwick (Kensington) (Con)
5. What assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of extending Sunday trading hours on high streets and market towns.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Greg Clark)
The Government believe that there is a strong case for local areas to be able to decide if and where extending Sunday trading should be permitted. It could help some high streets compete with online shopping, for which Sunday is regularly the most popular day.
Victoria Borwick
Is the Secretary of State aware that extending Sunday opening hours by just two hours in London will have a very positive effect on both employment and trade? Will he consider allowing the devolution of Sunday trading hours to the Mayor of London, the other metro mayors, or London councils following the success of such a move during the Olympics 2012?
Greg Clark
I am aware of the study to which my hon. Friend refers. Up to 50% of the visitors to the west end are from overseas; they are tourists who are keen to spend their money here, and it is sensible to have arrangements in place that enable them to do so. She is a central London MP, so her residents will also benefit from such a move.