Spar MD Morton Middleditch has vowed to fight proposals to liberalise Sunday trading legislation by LibDem peer Lord Clement-Jones. The former Kingfisher director is asking retailers for cash to fund a campaign to scrap the six-hour Sunday trading limit on stores over 3,000 sq ft on the grounds there is "an appetite for change". While the campaign has only received a lukewarm response from the multiples, Middleditch said that their browsing' policies were "clear evidence they would like to tinker at the edges of the legislation, if not scrap it completely". Another change to the law less than a decade after small retailers fought so hard on the issue in the early 1990s is "unthinkable," he added. "Sunday is a critical day for independents and convenience multiples. We must protect this part of our trade." Safeway communications director Kevin Hawkins conceded the chain would prefer "complete flexibility" but said that there was "little evidence" Sunday trading was high on the government's agenda. "Frankly, I don't see sufficient frustration on the part of the consumer to warrant a change," he added. Safeway would listen to Clement-Jones but was "unlikely" to send him a cheque. Sainsbury was "looking into the subject". Asda claimed that customers were "satisfied with current arrangements". Usdaw general secretary Bill Connor said the pressure was coming from DIY retailers and out-of-town shopping centres rather than supermarkets. "We have detected no great demand among the public or large retail employers to extend Sunday trading hours." Responsibility for Sunday trading has passed from the Home Office to the Department of Trade and Industry. New consumer affairs minister Nigel Griffiths voted for the recent Private Members' Bill to outlaw Christmas Day trading so the Association of Convenience Stores is hoping he will be sympathetic. {{NEWS }}

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