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Manchester City Council Bill [Lords](By Order)

The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I am afraid that I was not in the Conservative party then; otherwise, I would certainly have endeavoured to do what he suggests. I am painting a picture of a very different Britain. We have the ability to travel, and not just by horse. Communications now involve mobile phones, and pedlars can communicate between themselves on where they can and cannot go, where there is an easy target or not, and where trading can be done on a permissive basis. Also, the practice of moving door to door does not happen any more. In fact, if someone knocks on a door to sell goods in certain parts of the country, he will get short shrift. The legislation is out of date. That is why it is being abused.