§ 21. Captain Sir Sidney Herbertasked the Home Secretary when he intends to introduce the long-promised legislation to deal with bogus clubs?
§ Sir S. HoareThe hon. Baronet will realise that the legislative programme foreshadowed in the King's Speech will make heavy demands upon Parliamentary time, and I regret that I am not at present in a position to make any statement in regard to the introduction of this Bill.
§ Sir S. HerbertSurely my right hon. Friend realises that he gave us a promise that he would deal with the matter in the near future, and that was a long time ago? Does he not realise that the owners of licensed premises pay very heavy taxation, and that their livelihood and the revenue which the Government draw in taxation from these houses is being eaten into by these bogus clubs? Does he not realise, also, that half these bogus clubs exist in my constituency and another quarter in his own?
§ Sir S. HoareI am aware of the facts brought out in the last part of the question of my hon. Friend. None the less, I regret to have to say to him that it must depend on Parliamentary time, and at the beginning of the Session I cannot give him any answer other than that which I have given him.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these bogus clubs are not controlled by workmen at all?
Viscountess AstorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of them are helped and paid for by the drink trade itself, particularly in Wales?