§ 33. Mr. O'GRADYasked whether any licence has been granted to Ciro's for the purpose of carrying on a supper club at the premises lately closed down by a decision in Court; if so, whether the fact that the promoters are spending £3,000 for this purpose was mentioned when the licence was applied for; whether regard was paid to the necessity for national economy when such licence was granted; whether the programme of artists has been submitted to the licensing authorities; and can any explanation be given as to why this supper club was permitted to open in the circumstances that the country finds itself to-day?
§ Sir G. CAVENo such licence has been granted, and no licence is required, so long as the premises are not used for the supply of intoxicating liquor. The other points in the question, therefore, do not arise.
§ Mr. O'GRADYHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of an affair which took place there last Saturday night, and does he for a moment imagine that dinners are served there without intoxicating drink?
§ Sir G. CAVEIf the least evidence is brought to my notice that intoxicating liquors are served in this place I shall certainly take action.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs he aware that the membership of this club is absolutely bogus? Is he aware that the issue of tickets for the full year's membership centres round the possibility of them having previously visited this particular restaurant and that therefore they are not members and the club is a bogus one?
§ Mr. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to secure that such orgies as have been described in the papers do not occur again?
§ Sir G. CAVESo long as the law is not broken it is not a matter for me to deal with.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman give a hint to the Commissioner of Works that it would be suitable to commandeer these premises for the Government instead of taking hotels?