HC Deb 26 November 1906 vol 165 cc1219-20
MR. FETHERSTONHAUGH

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the expression of opinion of the Prime Minister, when receiving a deputation of the United Kingdom Alliance, that Ireland has peculiar claims by reason of its comparative poverty to a reform of the drink traffic; whether, in view of this recognition by the Prime Minister of Ireland's peculiar need, the Irish Government will at any early date introduce legislation to meet that peculiar need; is he aware that, owing to the decision in Clitheroe's case, justices in Ireland have no power to refuse renewals of licences or transfers on the ground that the licences are not required; is he aware that Clitheroe's case has been doubted and disapproved by high legal authorities, but cannot be overruled by any Irish Court; and will he consider the advisability of reversing it by statute.

(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am not aware that the Prime Minister has given expression to the opinion attributed to him. The effect of the decision in Clitheroe's case is, I understand, correctly stated in the Question. I am not pre- pared to express any opinion as to the soundness of that decision, nor can I at present make any statement as to the possible introduction of legislation dealing with the law as laid down in that case, or of temperance legislation generally.