HC Deb 15 February 1915 vol 69 cc878-9
14. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in Swansea the licensing justices have recommended shorter hours of closing than those recommended by the chief constable; and whether he proposes to introduce further legislation to make the licensing magistrates supreme?

Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTH

It is the case that the order which the Swansea justices desired to make could not be brought into force because it fixed an earlier closing hour than the chief constable recommended; and, as the chief constable subsequently withdrew his recommendation, no order could be made. I regret this result, but, as regards amending legislation, I can only say that, as indicated in the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Elgin and Nairn on the 16th November, this depends on the possibility of arriving at an agreed Bill.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the hon. Gentleman say why the Chief Constable withdrew his recommendation?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.