§ 34. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused authority to Mrs. L. S. Thomson, Salford Hotel, Invergordon, for the sale and supply of excisable liquor under the Licensing Act, 1949.
§ Mr. MaclayI considered Mrs. Thomson's application with great care, but I found no sufficient reason within the existing principles which govern such matters in State Management Areas to justify the grant of an authority in her case.
§ Mr. MacLeodDoes my right hon. Friend realise that this is a disgraceful injustice? There is only one licensed hotel in Invergordon. This complete monopoly of State control in the area must be broken. It is intolerable that this should go on and that competition should not be allowed. Further, does my right hon. Friend realise that the local licensing authority said that the licence should be granted? Will he review the position?
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the problems which are raised by my hon. Friend's supplementary question. There is on the Order Paper a later Question 1022 referring to this matter, which I shall be answering.
§ Mr. MacLeodIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, I give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.