HC Deb 03 February 1949 vol 460 c1826
37. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints of drunkenness in the Churchill Club were received by the police before the decision to raid and close the club was taken.

Mr. Ede

No specific complaints of drunkenness were received, but drunkenness was reported by the police before the Commissioner decided to authorise a search of the premises under Defence Regulation 42C and again .when the search was made.

Mr. Brown

May we have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that what has occurred in this case does not represent a change of policy on the part of the Home Office in dealing with such institutions?

Mr. Ede

It is not a question of the policy of the Home Office. It is a question of the action of the police. No change of policy has taken place and I should not care to comment further on this case as I understand it may be the subject of an appeal to the magistrates.