HC Deb 23 November 1927 vol 210 cc1787-8
43. Mr. WESTW00D

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the registrar's office for the parish of Fala and Santra, in the county of Midlothian, is on licensed premises; if he approves of this place for the registrar's work to be conducted; and, if not, what action, if any, does he propose to take to have the work done in more suitable premises?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

I understand that the wife of the holder of a grocer's licence has been appointed registrar, and I assume that the licensed premises will be used as the registration office. As I have no powers in the matter, and no knowledge as to the availability of other premises, I do not think that I should express any opinion as to the propriety of the action taken by the parish council.

Mr. WESTW00D

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the way in which this appointment was engineered and that large numbers of people have genuine conscientious objections to going into licensed premises, and will he be prepared to consider the facts which I can place before him from the district?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Of course, I am always prepared to listen to any facts, but, as I have explained to the hon. Member, I have no jurisdiction in the matter.

Mr. WESTW00D

I beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the. reply, I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.

Mr. BUCHANAN

How is the right hon. Gentleman going to swear that he has no licensed supporters in Pollok in this matter?

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