HC Deb 28 June 1960 vol 625 c1129
21. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution sent to him by Dingwall Burgh Council in support of the representations by the county council and other local authorities in favour of the abolition of the system of State management of sole control of the liquor trade and the power of the Secretary of State to overthrow the decision of the local licensing court; and what reply he has sent to them.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Yes, Sir. The council has been informed that my right hon. Friend has noted the terms of their motion.

Mr. MacLeod

Will my hon. Friend take action and not only notice? This is another scandal in the area.[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Why is my hon. Friend afraid of competition? Surely it is obvious that more licensed premises are required in the area and that private enterprise will not provide them unless it can get licences.

Mr. Macpherson

My right hon. Friend told my hon. Friend in an Adjournment debate that he was considering the implications of what he said in that debate.