To ask the Attorney-General if he will make it his policy to take steps to give local authorities crown immunity in order to enable them to discharge their responsibilities under section 47 of the Shops Act 1950.

I have no plans to take the action suggested by the hon. Member. The question whether local authorities should be obliged to give cross-undertakings in damages when seeking, by means of an interlocutory injunction, to enforce the Shops Act 1950 was recently considered by the Court of Appeal in Kirklees borough council v. Wickes Building Supplies Ltd. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this decision because it is shortly to be appealed to the House of Lords.