HC Deb 25 November 1920 vol 135 cc636-8
30. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Prime Minister when he received the Report from the Committee that was appointed to consider the question of hours of opening of public houses and clubs on Sundays; and whether the Report has been considered by the Cabinet and sent on to the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic)?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Report was received on the 16th November. It has now been considered by the Cabinet, which has decided to adopt its recommendations.

49. Lieut.-Colonel GRANT MORDEN

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that the working and middle classes may have the same facilities to purchase small quantities of spirits for consumption off licensed premises as the more well-to-do portion of the community, being able to obtain spirits by the bottle, at present enjoy?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

I have been asked to reply. The matter is one which will come under review in the event of the Liquor Control Bill which is now before the House passing into law.

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when this question of the liquor traffic control is coming before the House, and may I remind him—

Mr. SHORTT

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

Viscountess ASTOR

Then I will ask the Prime Minister when does he intend to deal with the drink question, which he himself once said was as great an enemy to the country as Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER

I hoped it would have been possible to introduce a Bill this year, but as my hon. Friend knows very well it is quite impossible to carry legislation on this subject in the short time which is at the disposal of the House this Session.

Viscountess ASTOR

Can we not have the Liquor Control Bill introduced?

Mr. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when the Second Reading of the particular Bill mentioned by the Home Secretary is going to be brought before the House, and can he say if there is any truth in the report which has appeared in the papers that the Government intend to drop the Bill altogether?

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not a fact that the Government have now got through the substantial part of their programme, and until the Lords provide us with some more work could we not proceed with the Liquor Control Bill?

Mr. THORNE

Is the Government united?

Viscountess ASTOR

Are you united?