§ 48. Captain BOWYERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the effect of the liquor restrictions at present en forced in working men's clubs; whether he is aware that these restrictions were war time measures; whether, now that the Peace Treaty has been signed, he will state what are the reasons for the continuation of these restrictions; and whether, in view of the importance of removing any source of irritation, he will consider the advisability of removing these restrictions at the earliest possible date?
§ Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject.
§ Captain BOWYERCan the right lion. Gentleman give any information before the end of the Session?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, not more information than I have given, which is that the Government are going to introduce a Bill on the subject, but cannot do it until after the Recess, and in the meantime the position remains as before.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these workmen's clubs, acting on the advice of myself and other eminent lawyers, are ignoring these restrictions, on the ground that they no longer retain any force in law?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIs the lion. Member prepared to take the position that if he and other eminent lawyers are wrong they will bear the penalty?
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYI do not mind being prosecuted a bit by the Government.