§ 44. Mr. Stewardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the fact that the present licensing laws enable justices in Wales to lay down that on Sundays intoxicating liquor can only be served to hotel residents; that this causes annoyance and acts as a deterrent to the tourist trade in 683 that country, as foreign tourists are accustomed to taking drinks with their meals; and if he will so amend the licensing laws as to remove this power.
§ Mr. EdeThe hon. Member is misinformed as to the law. The proviso to Section 2 (1) of the Licensing Act, 1921, provides that in Wales and Monmouthshire there shall be no permitted hours for licensed premises on Sundays. I can hold out no prospect of amending legislation on this controversial subject, on which strong public opinion exists in Wales.
§ Mr. StewardWill the Home Secretary reconsider this matter if I produce evidence in support of what I have said in my Question?
§ Mr. EdeI am always willing to listen to evidence, but I shall have to be very careful to see that it is evidence.
Mr. WatkinsWill my right hon. Friend pay greater regard to the wishes of Welsh people than to one swallow who may occasionally flit in?
§ Mr. George ThomasIs my right hon. Friend aware that there has been a costly campaign by the liquor trade in order to get this law changed, and will he stand firm by the wishes of the people of Wales?
§ Mr. LlewellynIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will give great satisfaction to innkeepers just across the Welsh Border?