§ 22. Mr. Mathersasked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make regarding the protests by working-class organisations in Carlisle against recent attacks upon the Liquor Traffic State-Management Scheme on the ground that the scheme has been for the benefit of customers and the staffs employed; and whether he intends to give effect to the suggestion that the powers of the local advisory commitee should be extended?
§ Sir S. HoareI have received and noted the statement to which the hon. Member refers. As regards the second part of the question, I appreciate the valuable services rendered by the local advisory committee, but I do not think that it would be desirable to confer administrative powers upon them, and, as the hon. Member will recollect, the Royal Commission on Licensing did not favour such a proposal.
§ Mr. MathersIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive representations as to the way in which further powers being given to the advisory committee would add still further to the popularity of this scheme?
§ Sir S. HoareI shall always be pleased to receive any communication from the hon. Member, but certainly, as at present advised, I should say it is wiser to leave things as they are.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend say whether anybody has ever said that it was popular?
§ Mr. MacquistenIs the Secretary of State aware that when I was in Carlisle a few weeks ago I asked if I should go into one of these places to have a meal, and I was told by one of the local inhabitants, "For God's sake do not go near them."
§ Sir S. HoareI do not think my hon. and learned Friend would be right in attributing any responsibility for this to the advisory committee.
§ Brigadier-General SpearsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the only protest that has been made has been made by Socialists, who are supporting this Socialist scheme?