HC Deb 14 February 1887 vol 310 cc1407-9
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether his attention has been drawn to the following notice which, in the form of a large placard, appears in the windows of the "Pier Tavern," Manchester Road, Poplar— Prize Competition for Children.—All Children bringing jugs or bottles to this house will be presented with a ticket according to the value of the goods supplied, and on Easter Monday the six children presenting the tickets representing the greatest number will receive prizes accordingly; whether the above notice does not constitute a direct inducement to children to frequent the public-house, and therefore infringes the provisions of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors to Children Act of last year; and, whether he will consider if any, and what, steps can be taken to stop a practice calculated to lead to wide-spread demoralization?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER) (Isle of Wight)

Prior to the Question of the hon. and learned Member my attention had not been drawn to the placard quoted therein. Upon the facts stated, it is not possible to say whether what is complained of constitutes an offence against the Act passed last Session; but I may point out to the hon. and learned Member that his professional experience makes him as competent to form an opinion on the subject as I am. It will be for the magistrates who have to deal with the licence to consider whether such a notice is likely to have the effect suggested in the concluding paragraph of the hon. and learned Gentleman's Question. The matter is not one in which I have any power to interfere.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON (Tower Hamlets, Poplar)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that the following placard is now being, or has lately been, exhibited in the window of the "Pier Tavern," in Manchester Road, Cubitt Town, Poplar— Prize Competition for Children.—All Children bringing jugs or bottles to this house will be presented with a ticket according to the value of goods supplied, and on Easter Monday the six children presenting the tickets representing the greatest number will receive prizes accordingly; and, whether he can take any action to prevent such temptations from being thrown in the way of children?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham E.)

My attention has been called to this matter by the Question of the hon. Member, and I at once communicated with the Chief Commissioner of Police, and I am informed that he gave notice immedi- ately to the proprietor of the house that the renewal of his licence would be formally opposed at the Licensing Sessions.