§ SIR EDWIN CORNWALL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the Amendments to the Licensing Bill, foreshadowed on Friday last, as regards Sunday closing will permit licensed premises in London to be opened on Sunday; if so, for how long; and whether the Government will consider means of meeting the requirements of hotels, restaurants, etc.
§ MR. ASQUITHAs regards the sale of intoxicating liquors the Bill provides that licensed premises can be opened all over the country on Sunday for one hour in the morning and two hours in the evening. London has always been treated exceptionally in this matter, and I propose that an extra hour should still be allowed. As I stated on Monday, the Government propose to meet the requirements of hotels and restaurants by allowing the supply of intoxicating liquor on any licensed premises on Sunday, during the hours those premises would be open for the sale of intoxicating liquor before the passing of the Bill, to any person taking a meal on the premises in a room set apart for the purpose.