§ 34. Mr. MILLSasked the Prime Minister what are the measures proposed to replace the existing Liquor Control 1322 Board relating to the supply of intoxicants, which expires on 25th October; and whether he will respond to the widespread appeal of workmen's organisations to retain the present Sunday hours in the evening, but to bring forward the morning opening and closing, namely, 12 a.m. to 2 p.m., or 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m., as the Sunday dinner is the principal meal of the week?
§ 55. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction that exists amongst members of working men's clubs by reason of the proposed alteration of the hours of opening for the sale of liquor in such clubs on Sundays to 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., whereas at present the hours of opening are 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; what substantial grounds, if any, for such alteration exist; and whether he will give directions to the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to rescind their order for this alteration?
§ 56. Mr. JOHN DAVISONasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware of the discontent arising from the reported decision to revert to the former hours of opening and closing of licensed premises on Sunday evenings; and whether he will state the reasons for such decision?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI shall answer these questions together. I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Thursday last in answer to a question by the right hon. Member for East Woolwich and to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dartford on the 21st July.
Mr. J. JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the churches are in favour of the alteration of the Sunday hours from 7 to 10 o'clock?
§ The PRIME MINISTERindicted dissent.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very wide feeling of dissatisfaction at the compulsory change of hours, and that the present hours are most suitable in every way?
§ Mr. MILLSMay I ask whether the Prime Minister would consult the representatives of working-class organisations knowing working-class habits, with a 1323 view, not to extending the hours, but to making them more in conformity with the wishes of the people?
§ Mr. BILLINGThe general belief is that the policy of the Government is gradually to force this country to become dry. Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether that is or is not the policy of the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can assure my hon. Friend that there are a good many people who take exactly the opposite view.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre they right?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the other questions, I have had many representations, both orally and in writing, on the subject, and I am fully alive to the fact that the whole position ought to be reviewed. We were in hopes of bringing in a Bill to deal with the matter, and we have got it ready, but one thing and another makes it very difficult to attend to these questions. There are other much more urgent questions being thrust upon us for consideration, and therefore we are quite unable to give that attention to this question which, I agree, its importance demands.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the matter between now and next Sunday—the whole thing could be done in about five minutes—and will he advise the Central Control Board to maintain the present order so far as Sunday evening opening is concerned?
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask whether the future policy of the Government, as evidenced by their Bill, is to increase or decrease the present restrictions on the sale of alcohol?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIs it possible to postpone the coming into force of this new Sunday Order until the right hon. Gentleman has had time to give the matter consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will communicatc that suggestion to those who have the matter in charge, and I will see what can be done.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he can do what he did last Session, namely, 1324 appoint a small Committee of hon. Members to report to him and advise him on the subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI will see.
§ 42. Captain BOWYERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the way in which the liberty of the citizens of North Bucks and elsewhere is curtailed and threatened by the activities of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), and that the Board's regulations affect various clubs, often in the same locality, in totally different ways; and if he will say when this Board will be abolished so that every club throughout the country may have the same privileges and liberties?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn the question of differentiation raised in the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given on 24th June to the hon. Member for North Dorset, and as regards the latter part of the question, to the answer given to the hon. Member for Woolwich on Thursday last.