§ 14. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether he has made any progress with the discovery of a legal formula defining a bogus night club; and whether he will either take more drastic steps to deal with the evil, or come to this House for further powers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSSteps are continually being taken to deal with clubs which contravene the existing law. As to amendment of the law, I can add nothing to the reply I gave on the 4th February.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman promised legislation to deal with the difficulties of this question at the beginning of last year? Can he really report no progress in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI can report a good deal of progress. Although it is quite true I have not introduced any legislation, I have paid very great attention to the subject, and proceedings have been taken.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the powers under the existing law are sufficient?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid you will find no Home Secretary is ever satisfied with the extent of this powers, but I am utilising all the powers I have for this purpose.
§ Mr. SPENCERDoes the right hon. Gentleman object to examining the bona fides of a club when it sits until six o'clock in the morning?
Viscountess ASTORIs it not a fact that it is almost impossible to define these clubs? Is that not one of the difficulties?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is one of the great difficulties.