§ 24. Mr. JOWETTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if his attention has been called to the statement of Colonel F. W. Robson, commanding the 14th regimental district at York, to a deputation representing the Leeds licensed victuallers, that the duty in regard to early closing of licensed premises had been put upon the military authorities by the Home Secretary; and will he say whether the Home Office took any and, if any, what action in that direction?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)The Secretary of State's attention had not been called to the statement until my hon. Friend's question appeared on the Paper. Powers were given to the military authority in this matter by the Order in Council of 12th August in which both the War Office and the Home Office concurred. It was not till 31st August that similar powers were conferred on the Licensing Justices by the Intoxicating Liquor (Temporary Restriction) Act, which in certain cases are subject to the approval of the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the hon. Gentleman speak up on the next question. I could not hear what he said.