§ 38. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes to make a statement as to the Government's policy on the existing anomalies in the licensing laws?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)My right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make any statement on this subject.
§ Mr. REMERIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the Prime Minister, in a public letter, stated that he would give an answer to this question as soon as the Southborough Committee had reported? Is he aware that the Southborough Committee reported nearly two months ago? If I put down a question again this day week, would an answer be given?
§ Captain HACKINGNo, Sir; I cannot make any definite promise on behalf of my right hon. Friend. My hon. Friend knows that it is a very complicated question. It may be that further inquiry is necessary and even that further legislation is necessary. In these circumstances, I think my right hon. Friend must have time for full consideration.
§ Mr. REMERIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, as stated, it is two months since the Committee reported, and is it not time that some decision was given on the matter?
§ Captain HACKINGI understood my hon. Friend to say that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave that pledge. I am afraid I cannot add anything to what he said.