asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the hardship caused to shopkeepers throughout the country by the operation of the Shops (Hours of Trading) Act, 1938, he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the Act to the extent of abolishing the limits on the hours of trading.

As I said in reply to a somewhat similar question, addressed to me on the 6th December last, I have already entered into consultations with interested parties on the need for a change in the hours of trading which have been fixed by law for shops. The consultations have not yet been concluded.

The Minister does appreciate, of course, that a large proportion of the business of shops in country towns is done along the scheduled closing hour if not after it?

All the organisations likely to be interested in the proposed change in the law have been asked to submit their observations and most of them have done so, although two organisations are still outstanding. There is no likelihood of unanimity.

It is rather a hardship that in the town of Monaghan one can buy a bottle of stout at about 9 o'clock but cannot buy a loaf of bread.

Is there any likelihood of a decision being reached in connection with that?

I think that certain changes are desirable but I could not indicate what these changes may be until I have considered the submissions and observations received from all the organisations. It is quite obvious, however, from the observations already submitted that there is a wide divergence of views on what the law should be.

Is the Minister not aware that some merchants in these towns are as anxious for a decent closing hour as any other people?

I passed through Ballaghaderreen at about ten o'clock one morning recently and noticed that all the shops were closed.

That is a very pointed retort in respect of a question arising in County Monaghan.

What is the opening hour in Capel Street?

I take it that representatives of the workers' organisations have been invited to submit their views?

They have been invited to submit their observations and have done so.

Of course this is a survival of D.O.R.A.