HC Deb 27 October 1909 vol 12 c1003
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he is aware that town councils are issuing, in large numbers, licences to sell poisons under Section (2) of The Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908, in places where abundant facilities are provided by the shops of qualified chemists; and, in view of the statement made in this House by the Under-Secretary when the Poisons and Pharmacy Bill was under discussion, that licences would only be granted under Section (2) where reasonable facilities did not exist, will he take steps to stop the granting of such licences in violation of that understanding and to cancel such licences as have been issued in contravention of it?

Mr. GLADSTONE

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answers which I gave to questions by the hon. Member on this subject on the 10th and 24th June last. I have no power to control the action of the Town Councils, and I have already called the attention of the Privy Council Office to the allegations made.