27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the unfair posi- 1698 tion in which some of the taxpayers in London are placed, owing to the present unsatisfactory Regulations governing the hours at which licensed premises in some parts of London have to be closed; and whether he will take steps to have the existing rules altered, in order that, without increasing the hours for trading, there may be a universal hour in London at which licensed premises are closed, both on Sundays and weekdays?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSUniformity of permitted hours could be secured only by fresh legislation, of which I can hold out no prospect at present.
Sir F. HALLDoes my right hon. Friend think it reasonable that an Englishman at 9 o'clock on a Sunday evening, when it is not yet dark, if he goes out for a walk, is not allowed to go into a licensed house on one side of the road but is allowed to do so on the other side of the road?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAll I can say is that Parliament is responsible for the Act that was passed, and that Act cannot be altered without the authority of Parliament.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask my right hon. Friend, as representing the Government, whether he thinks that the policy suggested by the Noble Lady would bring in the revenue needed for carrying on the country?