§ 50. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Prime Minister whether he has received the Report of the Select Committee on the opening and closing hours for licensed premises on Sundays; and, if so, if he is in a position to state what these hours will be in future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have received the Report in question, which is being circulated to the Cabinet with a view to consideration by the Government.
§ Mr. RAFFANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee heard no evidence of any kind, and that its Report was adopted by a majority of 7 to 5; and under these circumstances, does he consider that it really throws any light or the situation?
§ Colonel GRETTONIs it not a fact that this Committee was not appointed by the House, but was a private Committee appointed by the Prime Minister?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so. It was a private and an informal Committee, and as such it was appointed; and all these facts will be duly considered by the Government.
Mr. J. JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the new hours are going to come into operation [Interruption.] This is creating a considerable amount of dissatisfaction throughout the country. Even the Church Councils in various parts of the country have passed resolutions in favour of the extended hours of 7 to 10. [HON. MEMBERS: "Where?"] In Essex, for one.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not make a speech at this moment.
§ Mr. RAPER(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister if he will cause an order to be issued giving immediate effect to the general demand for the opening of licensed premises between 7 and 10 p.m. on Sundays?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer is in the negative, but the Majority and Minority Reports of the Committee of this House appointed to consider this question are now under consideration.