§ SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland Cockermouth)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Newport Bench on Friday, 23rd June, granted a public-house licence to Morgan Crowther, the well-known boxer, against whom there were seven convictions in former years for gambling, drunkenness, and fighting, although the police strongly objected to his being granted the licence, but were over-ruled, one of the Licensing Magistrates saying he was one of the first to reclaim a young man like this from evil ways; and whether these proceedings were in accordance with the Licensing Laws?
§ MR. ASQUITHWith regard to the first paragraph the statements are correct, except that the grant of the licence was only a provisional grant by Petty Sessions to hold good until the special Sessions which are fixed for the 19th July. With regard to the second paragraph, I am not able to say that in these proceedings there was a violation of any Statute, but the whole matter will be reviewed at the Special Sessions, and I am confident that in coming to a decision the Justices will have regard to the spirit of the Licensing Laws and to the interests of the community.