49. Major LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether he has received resolutions passed by the Carlisle Working: Men's Club and Institute and from the Carlisle Liberal Club and Institute calling upon the Government to take whatever steps are necessary for the cancellation of. the Order issued by the Central Control: Board (Liquor Traffic), dated 12th February, 1920; and whether he will see that the people of Carlisle and district are not subjected to any restrictions which do not' apply to the rest of England?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWResolutions in the terms described have been received from several of the existing registered clubs in-Carlisle. None of these clubs are affected: by the Order, and the House will understand that it would be impossible to abolish the direct control of the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor, which has been established in Carlisle, in advance of the pending legislation.
§ Mr. INSKIPIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Order overrides the-statutory power of the magistrates to grant a new licence? Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether the Order is legal?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have not gone into details, but, of course, the Carlisle area is, as the House knows, in a special: position.
Sir J. D. REESHave any representations in favour of such action been received 219 even from the subjects of these experiments at Carlisle?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid I cannot answer that question, but I have been informed that on the whole the people of Carlisle are very well satisfied.
Major LOWTHERIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great feeling in Carlisle and North Cumberland that there is no reason to treat Carlisle and that particular district differently from any other district in the country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWVery probably both sets of opinion exist.
Sir J. D.REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that the content to which he testifies is not that to which they give expression to the casual traveller passing by?