HC Deb 01 April 1908 vol 187 cc494-6
MR. ESSEX (Gloucestershire, Cirencester)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the occasional licence granted at the Upton-on-Severn Petty Sessions on 6th February was merely an extension of time upon the premises of the Feathers Inn, Castle Morton, or was granted to the licensee of the Feathers Inn for the sale of intoxicants in the Church of England schoolhouse at Castle Morton, Worcestershire, during a Primrose League and smoking concert on 24th February; what is the population of this village, and how many licences for the sale of intoxicants exist there; and do the facts of the case call for action by the Home Office, and, if so, what.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.

I have made inquiries into this case and am informed that the licence in question authorised in accordance with the Acts in that behalf the licensee of the "Plume of Feathers" Inn to sell intoxicating liquor at the Castle Morton Schoolroom between 7 and 10 p.m. on 24th February. The population of the parish, which, I understand, can hardly be called a village is 795, scattered over 3,701 acres. There are five licensed premises in the parish, viz., the "Plume of Feathers" Inn and four beer-houses small and set wide apart; not one of these premises has accommodation for smoking concerts on similar gatherings. I find nothing to call for any action on my part.

VISCOUNT HELMSLEY (Yorkshire, N.R., Thirsk)

In view of the fact that the facts stated in a Question on this subject last Monday were incorrectly stated, i.e., it being said the vicar was in the chair, whereas he was not, will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the insinuation which was then made by a member of the Government?

MR. GLADSTONE

I am prepared to answer my own Questions, but I cannot undertake to answer for colleagues.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is it in order in one Question to make reference to a Question previously asked in the House? I always understood it was out of order.

*MR. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member says it is out of order I have no doubt it is.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I accept the compliment, Sir.