MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he would initiate measures to prevent the violation of the Sabbath Day by political clubs, which were in the habit of holding variety entertainments and social functions of a similar nature regularly every Sunday morning and evening, thus leading to a great increase of drink upon the premises?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot accept the suggestion that Sunday entertainments in clubs ought to be wholly suppressed. If they lead to offences against the law, the remedy lies in legal proceedings. One of the objects of the Licensing Bill of two years ago was to strengthen the law with regard to clubs; but I see no opportunity of reviving those provisions at present.
MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINEAs I understand the right hon. Gentleman is not prepared to deal with the matter, may I ask if he will draw the attention of some of the reverend and hon. Members on his side of the House to the question?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECould not the matter be dealt with by an Amendment to the Finance Bill?
§ Mr. BARNESIn dealing with this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman also make provision for preventing Members of Parliament from playing golf on Sunday, and also whist-playing in West End clubs?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI do not think the Home Office is called upon to take any such steps?
Mr. BOWER MANHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the various forms of entertainment which take place in West End hotels and clubs, and will he satisfy himself that those who attend them are all teetotallers?