HC Deb 27 February 1947 vol 433 cc2270-1
38. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider closing all restaurants, public restaurants and dining rooms of hotels, night clubs, etc., at 10 p.m., and thus prevent the luxury eating establishments remaining open until midnight and one a.m., with the consequent waste of fuel and power.

Mr. Shinwell

I doubt whether discriminatory action against any particular class of establishment would be feasible, or would result in appreciable fuel saving. There arc other ways in dealing with unjustifiable use of fuel, and the whole problem is now being considered.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that it is not only on greyhound tracks that we have socia1 parasites, and that there are many bottle clubs and night clubs which are wasting fuel and which could be closed down; and that if this method were adopted it would give satisfaction to many people in this country?

Mr. Shinwell

That may be, but I am only concerned with avoiding unjustifiable waste.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that these bottle clubs and night clubs usually commence about nine o'clock at night, go on until three or four o'clock in the morning, and waste quite an amount of fuel?

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what my hon. Friend has described as bottle clubs are not technically clubs at all, but private premises; and can he say what powers he has, or what powers he proposes to take, to deal with them?

Mr. Shinwell

The power to deal with bottle clubs has not yet been conferred on me.

Mr. Assheton

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider arranging for day shifts at night clubs?

Mr. Shinwell

If the right hon. Gentleman will put his suggestion to the proper quarters, perhaps he will himself be able to participate.