HC Deb 20 December 1955 vol 547 cc1830-1
25. Mr. Steele

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the licensing laws in Scotland as they apply to Sundays so as to make such alterations as may be necessary in view of the disturbance to local inhabitants which is now taking place in many villages and small towns on Sunday evenings.

Mr. J. Stuart

The situation is being watched with care, but, while I sympathise with the hon. Member's feelings, I have no grounds for thinking that there is any widespread demand for legislation.

Mr. Steele

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is a good deal of public concern in the towns and villages about what is happening between 9.30 and 11 o'clock on Sunday nights? Would it be possible for him to get a report from chief constables in Scotland about what is actually happening? In order to ensure that there is no misunderstanding about this question, is he aware that it is not my wish to stop anyone who so desires having a drink on a Sunday evening, but that I feel that if they want to get drunk and disorderly it will be better if they do so in their own home towns and villages and so not upset other villages and other people using public transport?

Mr. Stuart

I sympathise with the hon. Member's views and, personally, agree with them, and I shall certainly consider the point about asking for a report from the chief constables.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that the villages concerned, of which mine is one, get a bad reputation which, as the hon. Member has said, is not at all due to them?

Mr. Woodburn

This is a disturbing question in some villages, and while it is not possible to get legislation, could not the trade be asked to exercise some self-discipline in the matter to see that these things do not happen?

Mr. Stuart

I understand that it is not entirely due to the trade. There are bus parties who carry their own refreshments with them.