§ 73. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked why the licence of the Conservative Club, at Blaenllechan, Rhondda Valley, has been suspended; and whether any inquiry has been held as to the conduct of the Liberal Club in the same place, and with what result?
§ Mr. McKENNAUntil this question appeared on the Paper I had not heard of the matter to which it relates. I have now-made inquiry and am informed that as the result of raids on both the Conservative and the Radical Clubs at Blaenllechan, the Glamorganshire Police applied to the Court that the clubs should be struck off the Register. The application was made first 'n respect of the Conservative Club, and a week later in respect of the Radical Club. In the first case the Court decided to strike the club off and to disqualify its premises for six months; in the second case the Court dismissed the application.
§ Viscount WOLMERWere these magistrates recently appointed by the present Government?
§ Mr. McKENNANo. The case was heard before a stipendiary, assisted in the first case by a magistrate who is believed to be a Conservative. In the second case there also sat another magistrate whose politics are not known.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the stipendiary is a noted Radical, and a supporter of the Radical club under consideration?
§ Mr. McKENNANo.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREHas the right hon. Gentleman any power to review the decision of the magistrates?
§ Mr. McKENNANo.