61. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a deputation of miners and other workers in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, introduced by the late hon. Member for Horncastle, waited upon the Central Control Board on 22nd January and 513 urged that the war-time hours of opening of licensed houses should be extended, and especially that entire closing on Sundays should be brought to an end: whether he is aware that the deputation was informed that behind the board was the fact that the Government had announced its intention to introduce legislation for the liquor trade in time of peace and that it was the board's duty, as at present instructed, not to relax materially existing restrictions; if so, will he say under whose instructions the board is acting; and, if such instruction emanates from any Government Department, will he give the House the precise terms in which it is contained?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe question correctly states the position. In acting on the lines described in the second paragraph, the board are carrying out the instructions of the Government.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have said they are correctly stated in the question. The words used in the second paragraph are the ones I have particularly in mind.