HC Deb 25 June 1925 vol 185 cc1697-8
27. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the unfair posi- 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-HICKS

Uniformity of permitted hours could be secured only by fresh legislation, of which I can hold out no prospect at present.

Sir F. HALL

Does 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?

Viscountess ASTOR

rose—

Sir F. HALL

Can we have the Minister's answer before we have the Noble Lady's text?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

All 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. HALL

Do you not think that an alteration should be made?

Viscountess ASTOR

Would it not be far better for Englishmen if they drank nothing on the Sabbath?

Sir F. HALL

May 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?

Forward to