HC Deb 21 July 1960 vol 627 cc718-9
35. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for the initiation of registered clubs he has sanctioned in the Carlisle district during the five years up to 31st December, 1959, under the provisions of Section 77 of the Licensing Act, 1953; whether he is satisfied that the provisions of this Section, which forbid a registered club to deal in intoxicating liquor without first obtaining his consent in writing, should apply exclusively to Carlisle and the adjacent parts of Cumberland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Vosper

During the period in question authority has been given under Section 77 of the Licensing Act, 1953, for the supply of intoxicating liquor in five registered clubs and thirteen other clubs have been informed that authority will be given as soon as they are duly registered. The provisions of Section 77 derive from the Secretary of State's statutory responsibility for the control of the supply of liquor in the Carlisle State Management District and could not suitably be applied elsewhere.

Dr. Johnson

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that these powers, which have served no social purpose whatsoever in Carlisle for the last forty years, could be more usefully applied to other districts where there are problems, such as Stepney and Soho? Why keep them in Carlisle when other places need them far more?

Mr. Vosper

My right hon. Friend has other proposals for dealing with the clubs problem in many districts. I do not think his exercise of the powers in Carlisle in recent years has been restrictive to general club interests.