§ 38. Mr. Mawbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional licences have been granted by licensing justices for the sale 391 of alcohol since the coming into force of the Licensing Act, 1961.
§ Mr. George ThomasIn the four years ended 30th June, 1965 the number of justices' on- and off-licences in England and Wales in respect of premises other than clubs increased by 6,041 to a total of 98,911. These figures include 5,989 restaurant or residential licences granted under provisions first introduced in the Licensing Act 1961.
§ Mr. MawbyI thank the hon. Gentleman for producing those figures. Will he and his right hon. Friend have a careful look at the figures to see whether in the light of the experience gained any changes ought now to be made in the licensing laws?
§ Mr. ThomasI can assure the hon. Member that I am constantly looking at these returns and I share his deep concern.