§ 26. Mr. Alan Herbertasked the Home Secretary what is the definition of a bogus club accepted by his Department; what is the estimated number of such clubs; whether he is preparing a Measure to deal with them; and, if so, whether he will take note of the opinions strongly expressed in this House and elsewhere during the present Parliament that no solution of the problem will be generally acceptable which includes the handing over of all clubs to the control of the licensing justices, or the granting to the police of the right of entry to all clubs without a search warrant?
§ Sir S. HoareI do not think that there is any ambiguity about the meaning of the expression "bogus club" in relation to abuses of the licensing laws. I have no information as to the actual number of such establishments in existence. In answer to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member for Cleveland (Commander Bower) on Monday last. As regards the last part of the question, I shall certainly take account of the opinions which have been expressed in different quarters on these and other aspects of this controversial subject.
§ Mr. AmmonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very often the decisions of the licensing authorities are rendered nugatory by the opening of these clubs in place of properly conducted licensed premises closed under the redundancy and compensation laws by the licensing bench?
§ Sir S. HoareI am very carefully considering that and other aspects of this particular question.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Bill will definitely be included in the programme of legislation for next Session?
§ Sir S. HoareThat must be a matter for decision nearer the time of the new Session.