HC Deb 14 August 1913 vol 56 c2659
79. Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the evasion of the provision of the Children Act, which excludes children from the bars of licensed premises, by women who, while in charge of young children, obtain drink at the doors of public-houses; and whether he will take steps to have the Act so amended as to deal effectively with this abuse?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been drawn from time to time to cases of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend, but the information in my possession does not indicate that the practice is by any means general. The matter will receive careful consideration when the opportunity comes for amending legislation.

Mr. BOOTH

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that on wet days in the Metropolis at the doors of very many public-houses a most scandalous state of things exists, the children being left in the rain while the parents are drinking inside?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been drawn from time to time to cases of the kind. As T have said consideration will be given when opportunity occurs of amending legislation.

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