§ 28. Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Licensing Court of Irvine burgh granted a renewal of a hotel licence which was held by a German alien enemy of the name of Carl Gutschow, although he is interned and is unable to reside in Irvine, which is a prohibited area, the renewed licence being granted in the name of Gutschow's daughter, and that this was done in spite of the fact that the town clerk advised that the circumstances were such as to render it highly inconvenient to grant the licence; and whether he can take any steps to correct this laxity on the part of the Licensing Board?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)I have obtained a report on this case, from which it appears that no objection was taken to the grant of a licence to Gutschow's daughter, who is a natural-born British subject, and was stated by the police to be in character and experience quite fitted to conduct the business. I am informed by the town clerk that his remarks had reference to the alternative application on behalf of Gutschow himself, which was refused.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this young woman to whom the licence was granted is the daughter of an alien enemy, unmarried, and twenty-four years of age, and does he think that a proper person to whom an hotel licence should be entrusted?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe decision as to who is the proper person by law on whom to confer a licence rests with the Licensing Court, and it is not a matter in which I have any judgment or discretion. The licensing authority in this case thought she was a proper person. She is a Scottish girl, daughter of a Scottish mother and a German father.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police strongly advised that the licence in this case—a seven-days' licence—should not be granted?
§ Sir H. CRAIKIt is the case.