HC Deb 25 May 1921 vol 142 cc147-8
48. Major KELLEY

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the terms and personnel of the round-table conference on liquor restrictions and licensing reform?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope to make a statement upon this matter in the course of next week.

Major KELLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the discontent in the country which is arising from D.O.R.A. being continued—and finding no fault with an Act which Parliament has passed, yet they object to being played with in this matter by the Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

Colonel ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the desirability of putting on this Committee people other than those connected with the temperance party and the licensed interest?

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting on the Committee representatives of working-men's clubs and institutes?

Viscountess ASTOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting representatives of mothers on the Committee?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is no doubt, true, that in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom, but in the diversity of their counsel there is often great difficulty in complying with all their requests. We shall try to make a representative body well formed to produce the agreement which we believe to be within reach among, at any rate, a great body of public opinion.

Mr. RAFFAN

In the event of the Conference reaching substantial agreement can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of legislation this Session?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will repeat that question when the Conference has reported.

Sir F. BANBURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether anyone is better capable of representing a mother than her son?