§ 10. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether he has made further investigations into the existence of bogus night clubs in London and other large cities; whether he is satisfied with his present powers for dealing with these bogus clubs; and, if not, whether he intends to seek further powers to deal with this evil?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am continuing to keep a close watch on these clubs, but, as previously stated, it has been decided not to attempt legislation on the subject this Session.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question? Is he satisfied with his present powers? Are they sufficient?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI shall be glad to give the House fuller information as to whether I am satisfied with my present powers when I have exercised them a little longer, but I am glad to say that I think the conditions of a good many of the night clubs are improving.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas not the right hon. Gentleman had more experience since he first took office? Did he not say then that his powers were not sufficient? Has he altered his opinion?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, I do not say that I have altered my opinion. I say that since I have taken office I have given great attention to this matter, and had several consultations with the Commissioner of Police about night clubs. A large number of raids have been made and several of the clubs have been shut up, and I prefer to refrain from deciding whether my powers are adequate until I have had a little longer experience.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIn view of the expense of preparing a Bill, are we not entitled to know why that Bill was dropped?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI think the expense was very slight.