§ 14. Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints his Department has received from tourists about British licensing laws during the past five years.
§ Sir J. EdenNone, Sir.
§ Mr. PriceIs the hon. Gentleman aware that he has just demolished one of the greatest myths surrounding the tourist industry? Is it not absolutely clear, in view of his answer and of the enormous growth in tourism to Britain over the last few years, that our licensing laws deter absolutely no one at all?
§ Sir J. EdenI do not think that that follows from the answer I gave. In fact, probably a larger number of complaints are directed to the licensees, the licensing authority or the tourist organisation. At any rate, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the laws are so archaic that setting up the review to inquire into them was fully justified.
§ Mr. Tom BoardmanDoes my hon. Friend not agree that this point will have to be considered by the Erroll Committee, and that, at the same time, the views of licensees and other organisations which would be opposed to unlimited licensing hours would have to be taken into account?
§ Sir J. EdenYes, I am sure that that will be done.