§ 32. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the proposed cutting down of the number of licensed premises in Glasgow; and, if it is to be carried out, whether he will take steps to see that the decisions of the premises that are to be eliminated should be placed in the hands of the sheriffs?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I am aware from the newspapers that the Glasgow licensing court recently decided to review the number of licensed premises in the city with a view to reducing the number in wards which are considered to be overlicensed. It is outwith my power to take any action in this matter. Under the Licensing (Scotland) Acts the responsibility for the elimination of any licenses is vested in the licensing court and the Court of Appeal.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIn view of the feeling that the vast cutting down of licences has not been on a basis of justice but that there were people who were able to give most money to the magistrate concerned will the right hon. Gentleman consider amending the law with a view to seeing that justice is not administered on a basis of palm oil?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have had no representations that there has been any such practice as that indicated by the hon. Member, and, if anyone knows of any 340 such practice, it is his duty in the public interest to make representations to the procurator-fiscal.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern) must not make such improper observations. In a supplementary question it is most improper to make such insinuations against magistrates.