asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to regulate the activities of mobile shops in rural areas.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. C. M. Wood-house):

Not in the present Session.

Is my hon. Friend aware that although these mobile shops from the towns can be quite useful in rural areas, in some cases they represent unfair competition with village shops which have become such a feature of every village today?

I am aware that that and many other views are held about this subject, which is difficult and complicated. As the House is aware, my right hon. Friend is now carrying out a general review of shops legislation in the light of a questionnaire issued earlier this year to all interested organisations.