§ 79. Mr. CLYNESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of impending licensing legislation, he would take steps to meet the wishes of a large number of the Members of this House by allowing Sir Edgar Sanders, the General Manager of the Carlisle control area, to address a private meeting of members in one of the Committee Rooms of the House on the actual working results of the Carlisle experiment in direct control of the liquor traffic?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf Members of this House desired to have a private meeting of this kind, I see no reason why it should not be held.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has been announced that the Chairman of the Liquor Control Board recently prevented Sir Edgar Sanders from addressing a meeting of the kind?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sorry I was not aware of it. I gave my answer simply on reading the question. It seemed to me reasonable that if Sir Edgar Sanders desired such an opportunity, he should have it. I will look into it.
§ Mr. RAFFANMay I ask whether it is in accordance with precedent that a public official should address a meeting in the House of Commons on what is a highly contentious matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSurely my hon. Friend is mistaken as to the custom. I have heard many meetings addressed by subordinate officials where there was a desire to get information.
§ Mr. SONAR LAWI did not know it was a case of opponents and supporters. If the opponents attend they will be able to ask questions.
§ Mr. CLYNESIs not this an experiment for which the Government is responsible and in which it is financially involved; and is it not desirable that we should have all the information?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think my answer covers the reply to that question also.