§ 57. Mr. JOHN LOCKWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that by a recent legal decision, confirmed on appeal, it has been held that licensing authorities have no power to grant an extension for the opening of public houses during summer time only; that in certain cases licensing authorities have already granted such extensions; and whether, in view of the confusion and inconvenience to the public that is likely to arise by reason of the recent legal decision, he will introduce legislation at the earliest possible moment to enable licensing authorities to grant an extension of hours of opening during summer time?
60. Captain MACDONALDasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce a Bill during the current Session to remedy the situation which has been created by the decision of the Appeal Court with regard to the legality of special licensing hours during the summer in view of the adverse effect upon the tourist industry?
§ 63. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the present confusion and discontent with regard to the licensing hours when summer time operates, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to provide that licensing hours shall always conform to Greenwich mean time, regardless of whether summer time is in operation or not?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)I am not at the moment in a position to add anything to the answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool (Captain Erskine-Bolst) on this subject on Thursday of last week.
Captain MACDONALDIn view of the uncertainty arising out of this decision, affecting 120 magistrates' orders, will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking to come to a decision at an early date, say, before the Whitsuntide Recess?
§ Mr. HACKINGThis matter is under the consideration of the Government at the present moment, and, if my hon. and gallant Friend will put down a Question for Thursday next, I hope then to be able to give an answer.
§ Mr. PIKEWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the licensing authorities in some industrial areas grant an additional half-hour as a permanent institution; and, in considering any directions to be given on this matter, will he have regard to the effect in industrial areas as well as seaside areas?
§ Mr. HACKINGThis decision does not affect an order which has been granted for the whole of the year. It refers only to an order which is granted for a part of the year.
Captain A. EVANSIf the Government consider it necessary to introduce a Bill, will they include the Principality of Wales in it?