HC Deb 15 March 1938 vol 333 cc193-4
19. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the statutory notice required under Section 40 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, was given to the Chief Constable of Dundee, of the application for special permission to sell exciseable liquors to be consumed in the Val D'or Restaurant, Dundee, in January, 1938; what were the names and addresses of the applicants; and what inquiries were made by the Chief Constable, following on the receipt of the notice, to ascertain by what warrant or authority the said application was promoted?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)

As stated in reply to the hon. Member's question on 21st February, the disposal of applications under Section 40 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903, is entirely a matter for members of the Licensing Court in accordance with the statutory provisions, and I am not in a position to give details of individual applications. I am informed, however, that the statutory notice required was given to the Chief Constable of Dundee who reported to the Licensing Court that the statutory requirements had been fulfilled.

Mr. Gibson

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that this statutory notice is required to be given only to the Chief Constable, and in these circumstances, was not that notice given in the public interest and in the interests of all parties concerned; and has he been informed that the Dundee parliament, which was the body that was holding the function in that restaurant on the date in question, had decided that the function was to be a dry function?

£370. There are some additional figures in the table which I am circulating.

Mr. Elliot

I do not think I am called upon to go into particulars.

Mr. Gibson

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a report from the Chief Constable on this matter?

Mr. Elliot

As I have said again and again, disposal of applications is entirely a matter for members of the Licensing Court.

Mr. Gibson

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.