HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1064-5
19. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now review his previous policy and approve the granting of licences by licensing magistrates in areas where hitherto he has permitted only State public houses to exist.

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir. The considerations before the licensing court in dealing with an application for a certificate and before me in considering an application under Section 82 (1) (b) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1959, are not identical.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is it not quite fantastic that a member of the present Government should ask this House on repeated occasions to re-enact this Socialist Measure against the wishes of both the licensing magistrates and the local authority?

Mr. Maclay

I think my hon. Friend is raising the whole question of the future of State management districts, which is not one I can deal with properly in question and answer.

Mr. W. Hamilton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that State beer is cheaper than private enterprise beer?