HC Deb 08 October 1946 vol 427 cc10-1
23. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, why the request of the staff of Barlinnie Prison for a licence for their club has been rejected by him.

Mr. Westwood

The request by the local branch of the Prison Officers' Association for approval of a licence for beer and spirits was refused because I regarded it as undesirable for a club licence to be held in respect of a club catering solely for members of the prison service.

Mr. Brown

Is not the Secretary of State aware that pretty well every prison in Britain has an officers' club, which in turn has a licence, and why this injustice to Scotland?

Mr. Westwood

The fact is that the traditions in Scotland are slightly different from the traditions in England. If I understand the position aright, most of these clubs, if not all of them, have only a beer licence. What was asked for in this particular case was a beer and spirits licence.

Mr. Brown

Can we reach a compromise on the basis of beer?

Mr. McGovern

Will the Secretary of State assure us that none of the private prejudices in the Scottish Office in favour of prohibition are prevailing?

Mr. Westwood

I can assure the hon. Member that they are not. I do not allow my personal convictions to interfere with my administrative work.