§ 33. Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in certain licensing districts the licensing justices have in the exercise of their powers under Section 1 of the Licensing Act, 1921, fixed permitted hours for the sale of in toxicating liquor during the period of summer time different from the permitted hours during the remainder of the year; and whether he can inform the House of the number of licensing districts in which this course has been adopted and under what statutory authority the licensing justices have made this differentiation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am afraid that I have no information as to the number of licensing districts in which the action mentioned has been taken. The last part raises a question of interpretation of the terms of the Statute in regard to which, as the hon. Member may be aware, some difference of opinion exists, and which can only be settled by the decision of a court of law.
§ Mr. LLEWELLYN-JONESWith regard to the dilemma in which licensing justices are placed in various parts of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have this matter cleared up, in the courts if necessary?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI do not think that that is my province.