17. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider making some amendment to the law to give powers to deal with bogus clubs and similar undesirable places, and the holding of bottle parties, without prejudicing the interests of genuine clubs?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on 30th March in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche).
Mr. De la BèreDoes not my right hon. Friend realise that this matter has been lying about for two years, and that it is high time some steps were taken to end this scandal? Will he do a little more than merely referring me back?
§ Mr. Annesley SomervilleWill my right hon. Friend treat this matter as urgent, since these places are an intolerable nuisance at Maidenhead?
§ Sir S. HoareOn 30th March I gave a very full answer on the subject, and I really have nothing to add to it.
Mr. De la BèreMay we know whether we can really be assured that, before the House rises, we shall have some legislation to deal with this matter?