§ Any person authorised in writing in that behalf by the licensing authority, on producing his authority on demand, and any constable, may at all reasonable times enter upon any track for the purpose of ascertaining whether the provisions of this Part of this Act are being complied with, and every person who obstructs any constable or other person in the exercise of his powers under this section shall be guilty of an offence.—[Captain Crookshank.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ 11.39 p.m.
Captain CROOKSHANKI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
The general intention is that licensing authorities should exercise some kind of general supervision over the tracks. Unfortunately no provision was made in the Bill as drafted for that to be done, therefore this new Clause is introduced which would enable the police or duly authorised representatives of the licensing authority to inspect the tracks and see that everything is being carried on as it should be, and to make it an offence for any person to obstruct them. It is a necessary corollary to the licensing authority carrying out this function.
§ 11.40 p.m.
§ Mr. PIKEMay I ask the Under. Secretary of State whether it is the intention that any police constable visiting a track must be in uniform? As the Clause reads, 1188
Any person authorised in writing in that behalf by the licensing authority, on producing his authority on demand, and any constable,if the constable is not in uniform, it appears to me that there is a possibility that he may be refused admission to the track merely on the statement that he is a constable. May we have the assurance that he will be in uniform?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIf a constable is off duty and thinks he would like a free visit to the dogs, is he entitled to go?
§ Clause added to the Bill.
§ The DEPUTY-CHAIRMANThe next new Clause, which is in order, is the one standing in the name of the hon. and gallant Member for Wellingborough (Wing-Commander James.)