HC Deb 01 February 1962 vol 652 cc1260-1
5. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to provide for local options on the Sunday opening of licensed premises in England as in Wales.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

No, Sir.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that I am not at all surprised by his reply? Since the majority of Welsh Members did not want local option in Wales but had it thrust on them by the English Members, does he not think it unreasonable to withhold from the English the same liberty that he extends to the Welsh? is he not aware that, if he pursued the same stupid policy in England as has been pursued in Wales, he would have the same stupid result?

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

The solicitude of the hon. Member for the welfare of the English is very commendable, but we have had Sunday opening of licensed premises in this country for a very long time and I do not think that we want to interfere with that arrangement.