HC Deb 27 February 1936 vol 309 cc633-4
38. Mr. ALAN HERBERT

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that closing time in Kensington is now 10 p.m. and at Knightsbridge 11 p.m., in Hammersmith 10 p.m. and in Chiswick 10.30 p.m., at Lambeth 10 p.m. and at Westminster 11 p.m., at Notting Hill Gate 10 p.m., at Paddington 10.30 p.m. and at Marble Arch 11 p.m.; that it is possible for a man with a bicycle to take part in the closing ceremonies in three different licensing divisions on the same evening; whether this state of affairs has the approval of the Government; and, if not, will they introduce a measure to correct it?

Sir J. SIMON

The differences in closing time referred to by my hon. Friend are due to the principle laid down by Parliament that in view of differing circumstances in different parts of the country, licensing justices should have a certain discretion in fixing permitted hours. Unless there is to be a fixed hour of closing over the whole country, provincial as well as metropolitan and rural as well as urban, a boundary line must exist somewhere, and I have no reason to think that a proposal to carry uniformity to this length would be generally approved.

Mr. HERBERT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these variations are a principal cause of drunkenness or of excessive drinking, and is it not time the Government paid serious attention to this very important matter?

Sir J. SIMON

We certainly pay attention to it, but the hon. Member will see that it is mathematically correct to say that if you have different rules in different places there must be a point at which the rules meet.

Mr. EMMOTT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in how many closing ceremonies a man with a motor car can take part?

Mr. SANDYS

Have there been many cases of people being had up for being drunk in charge of a bicycle?

Mr. WISE

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate the differences in local conditions between the districts specified in this question?

Sir J. SIMON

Under the existing law that is a matter for the licensing justices to consider.

Mr. MAGNAY

Would it not be the case that the speed of the cyclist would he a decreasing one the further he went?