HC Deb 25 February 1937 vol 320 cc2167-8
30. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Licensing that the State Management Scheme for the drink traffic should be abrogated; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Sir J. Simon

My hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, under a misapprehension, as no such recommendation in respect of the Carlisle State Management Scheme was included in the Majority Report of the Royal Commission on Licensing for England and Wales.

Brigadier-General Spears

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reasons for abolishing the scheme in Scotland apply equally to Carlisle?

Sir J. Simon

I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that a question relating to a Scottish commission should be put to the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those who know Carlisle intimately, much better than the commission—those who knew it in 1916 and since—would resent very much any interference with this scheme, which has been so successful?

Brigadier-General Spears

May I ask you, Sir, on a point of Order, to draw the hon. Member's attention to the fact that I represent Carlisle?

Mr. Mathers

Will you in turn, Sir, kindly inform the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I knew Carlisle long before he did?

Mr. Speaker

Brigadier-General Spears.

31. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider the introduction of a State Management Scheme for the drink traffic on the lines of the Carlisle experiment in other constituencies?

Sir J. Simon

An extension of the present scheme at Carlisle to other districts could not be undertaken without legislation, and I can hold out no prospect of legislation on this subject.

Brigadier-General Spears

If this scheme is so good, would the right hon. Gentleman consider legislation to introduce it in Spen Valley? Why should the inhabitants of Spen Valley be deprived—

Mr. Speaker rose.