20. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction has been expressed by members of the public at the decision of the licensing justices in insisting on the evening hours at which licensed premises shall be open in London on Sundays being from 6 to 9 p.m.; and whether he will forthwith take steps to have the hours on Sunday filtered to 7 to 10 p.m.?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I am aware that the decisions of the justices in this matter have given dissatisfaction to some persons, but it is by no means the case that there is agreement on the question. I have no power to take any action such as is suggested in the latter part of the question.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Bill passed through the House, the House compromised, and it was understood that reasonable latitude would be allowed with regard to these various hours; and is he aware also that the Bill would not have passed through the House if there had been any suggestion that on Sundays these houses would be closed at 9 o'clock?
§ Mr. SHORTTOf course, I cannot tell what would have happened.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on one side of the road licensed premises are opened at 6 o'clock, and on the other side at 7 o'clock, and that on one side they close at 9 and on the other side 10 o'clock? Does he not understand these anomalies?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should confine himself to a question.
§ Mr. THORNEIt was my first shot in.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has given information which, I think, we all have.