§ 44. Colonel Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the widespread disappointment at the Government's decision not to continue Regulation 42D and the Orders following thereon, under which the supply of intoxicating liquor to travellers on Sunday is restricted to persons taking a meal on the premises; what recommendations he has received from chief constables upon this matter; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation at an early date to place the main provisions of this Regulation upon the Statute Book.
§ Mr. WestwoodI am not at present able to add anything to the reply given to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. Gilzean) on 4th December last, in which it was stated that the possibility of introducing legislation had been carefully considered but, as it was clear that any such Measure would be controversial, it could not be proceeded with in the present congested state of the Parliamentary time table. As was also stated in that reply, however, I am keeping a very close watch on the position and will consider the introduction of fresh legislation if experience shows that the circumstances resulting from the expiry of the Defence Regulation make necessary an amendment of the law.
§ Colonel Thornton-KemsleyIn regard to the part of the Question which deals with what recommendations he has received from chief constables in this matter, would not the right hon. Gentleman say that there is a wealth of evidence to show that the abuse of the bona fide travellers' privilege under modern conditions of travel gives rise to much drunkeness and disorder on Sundays, and does directly cause many road accidents?
§ Mr. SpeakerHon. Members must ask questions and not make speeches.
§ Mr. WestwoodAt Question time it will be impossible for me in answer to a supplementary question to reply to a speech.
§ Mr. McKinlayCould I ask my right hon. Friend how it was found possible to permit this S.R. & O. to lapse, seeing that the conditions which were responsible for its imposition had disappeared, and still continue to erect permanent buildings on sites requisitioned under the Defence Regulations?