§ 69. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that an application granted by the local licensing magistrates for a temporary licence for the supply of refreshments on the occasion of an agricultural show at Longtown, in the Carlisle area, was vetoed by the Home Office; and whether he will state the reason for this?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I recently refused an application for my consent to supply intoxicating liquor at the weekly cattle auctions at Longtown because, if there is a genuine public demand for such facilities, I thought that the supply ought to be undertaken by the State Management. Pending the result of the inquiry which has been instituted into the State Management Scheme, I cannot interfere with the existing arrangements.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKAre not the local licensing magistrates the licensing authority in the controlled area?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, but the point is that in the controlled area I am responsible for the supply of intoxicating liquor. If there is a demand the State-managed organisation there would apply to the local magistrates to supply the demand which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that within the last few weeks a beer house has been converted into spirit house without any reference to the licensing authority; and does he approve of that?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy hon. and gallant Friend must give me a little notice. I cannot carry all the details of State management in my mind.