HC Deb 03 July 1893 vol 14 c676
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. ASQUITH

With 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.