§ 20. Mr. D. Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, when he next circularises licensing magistrates, he will correct the misleading impression that a pamphlet, 1421 entitled "The Licensing Magistrates," a copy of which has been sent to him, which states that it is issued to assist members of licensing committees in their important task and edited by a barrister-at-law, is issued with his authority.
§ Mr. RentonThis pamphlet, which is published by the United Kingdom Alliance., contains nothing, so far as I can see, to give rise to an impression that it is issued with my right hon. Friend's authority. He does not therefore think that any action on his part is called for.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this document has been sent to licensing magistrates throughout England and Wales? Is he aware that on the back page the words "judicial dicta" are an inference and, possibly, an implication to licensing magistrates that the document is of an authoritative nature from either the Government or the Home Office? Might not this indication lead magistrates away from their judicial responsibilities and duties?
§ Mr. RentonThis pamphlet was written by an anonymous barrister who advocates temperance and disagrees with one of my speeches, but none of these factors need give rise for any concern. If it helps the hon. Member, I emphatically say that the pamphlet was not issued with the authority of the Home Office.