HC Deb 23 February 1956 vol 549 c556
30. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many registered clubs for the sale of alcohol existed in England and Wales during each of the years from 1950 to the latest available date.

Major Lloyd-George

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir F. Medlicott

In view of the enormous increase in the number of these clubs, which is making nonsense of our licensing laws, cannot my right hon. and gallant Friend say how soon he will be able to bring forward the legislation promised when Defence Regulation 55C was withdrawn four years ago?

Major Lloyd-George

I am afraid I cannot add anything further to my Answer, except to add that if I said it was a slightly controversial matter I should plead guilty to an understatement.

Following is the information:

The number of registered clubs in England and Wales in the years 1950 to 1954 were as follows:

1950 19,221
1951 19,508
1952 19,903
1953 20,348
1954 19,221
The figures relate to 30th June each year except that the figures included for the County of London for 1950 to 1953 relate to 31st December. The figures for 1954 are provisional.