§ 30. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he can state when he will introduce the Bill dealing with the liquor traffic, which he promised would be introduced before Christmas, 1919?
§ Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make any statement of policy in regard to the future of the licensing trade; and, if not, whether he will agree to the suggestion which has been made to appoint a Select Committee of independent Members of this House to inquire into and report on the subject?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)I have been asked to answer these questions. We still hope to be able to introduce the Bill dealing with this subject during the present Session.
§ Mr. BRIANTIs the Bill ready to be presented, has it been submitted to the Cabinet, and, if so, has it been approved?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Bill has already been drafted.
§ Mr. BRIANTHas it been submitted to the Cabinet and approved?
§ Mr. FISHERIt has been considered by a Committee of the Cabinet and approved.
§ Captain TERRELLHas the suggestion about appointing a Committee been dropped?
§ Mr. FISHERThe Prime Minister has appointed a small Committee to consider 37 one particular question, that is, the question of the closing of licensed promises on Sunday.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the Prime Minister, who is responsible for the time of the House, say whether, in addition to the introduction of the Bill this Session, the Government mean to pass it through all its stages this Session?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that question should be put to the Leader of the House, who is responsible for the arrangements.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSWill the personnel of this Committee be chosen in the ordinary way by the Government, or will the new practice of Members nominating themselves be adopted?
§ Mr. G. TERRELLAre there any ladies on the Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe suggestion to appoint a Committee came from those who had taken a special interest in the matter, and the Committee was to advise the Government upon the best course to take upon one particular question. I thought it was a very practical suggestion, which avoided the trouble and delay of setting up a Select Committee.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIn choosing the personnel of that Committee is the right hon. Gentleman following the ordinary practice of having all parties represented, and not acting simply on the suggestions of hon. Members at Question time that certain people should be selected for their particular views?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll sections of the House are represented. [HON. MEMBERS: "Names!"] I will see if I can give the names before the sitting is over.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhen the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) meets tomorrow, if they make an Order to have Sunday opening from 7 to 10 o'clock, will they be called upon to report that decision to the Cabinet before it is put into operation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt they will let us know before any action is taken The final decision is 38 with the Liquor Control Board, but the Cabinet will be confronted with the nature of the Report.