HC Deb 31 July 1891 vol 356 cc918-20
MR. COBB

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury who are the parties to the contract for supplying refreshments at the Royal Courts of Justice; whether he is aware that, although there are numerous refreshment bars in the building, there is only one, which is underground, where tea and coffee can be obtained; whether he is aware that there are numerous instances of members of the legal profession having acquired habits of intemperance in consequence of the facilities which are afforded in the building of obtaining alcoholic drinks, and of the difficulty in obtaining tea or coffee, and that this is especially marked among those who are obliged to wait outside the Courts and in chambers for appointments to come on; and whether he will communicate with those who make the arrangements with the refreshment contractors to induce them to cause tea and coffee, and other non-alcoholic drinks, to be served at all the bars?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON, Leeds, N.)

I am informed that the parties to the contract are the Permanent Secretary to the Lord Chancellor and Mr. Elliott, the contractor. I have no knowledge of the details of the arrangements in the Courts, and I should be inclined to doubt whether there are numerous members of the legal profession who have acquired habits of intemperance through any difficulty in obtaining tea or coffee in the Courts; but I will communicate with the Lord Chancellor's Department, if the hon. Member wishes it, or perhaps the hon. Member will do so himself.

*MR. COBB

I do wish it, as a representation would come with greater weight from the right hon. Gentleman. I may inform the right hon. Gentleman that he is wrong about members of the legal profession and habits of intemperance.

MR. JACKSON

Perhaps the hon. Member will furnish me with the names of the members of the Bar to whom he refers.

MR. MORTON (Peterborough)

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether he is aware that it has been found necessary to procure a licence from the Magistrates to sell intoxicating liquors in the refreshment rooms at the Royal Courts of Justice; and whether the consent of the Magistrates ought, in like manner, to be procured for the sale of intoxicating liquors at the refreshment bars within the precincts of the House of Commons?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER, Isle of Wight)

Licences are required at the Royal Courts of Justice because, being in several districts and refreshments being sold to the public, licences are necessary. I am informed that licences have never been considered necessary in the House of Commons on the ground that the buildings form part of a Royal palace.