HC Deb 25 January 1897 vol 45 cc408-9
MR. F. A. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he has considered the numerous representations made on behalf of working men's clubs in reference to the composition of the Commission on the Licensing Laws; and, whether, having regard to the completeness of the Inquiry, he will recommend the appointment, as an additional member of the Commission, of some suitable representative of the bonâ fide working men's clubs?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to read a short extract from a public letter I wrote on the subject to persons interested in the representation of clubs on this Commission. I stated, among other things, that while there is great objection to adding to the number of Commissioners after substantial progress has been made with the work of the Commission, I do not think the interest of those belonging to your association, or the much larger number of persons belonging to clubs throughout the country, will be in any way injured by leaving the composition of the Commission as it is. Many members of the Commission are interested in the successful management and working of those clubs, and I am sure the desire to do justice to this part of the Inquiry animates the chairman and all members of the Commission.