§ 3. Mr. David Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make proposals designed to liberalise the licensing laws in Northern Ireland.
§ The Minister of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. William van Straubenzee)There are no plans to do so at present.
§ Mr. JamesDoes my hon. Friend recognise that the main tourist flow in Ireland is from North to South because of the greater liberality of licensing laws in the South? Would it not be advantageous if the flow were both ways?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe comparison between the licensing laws of different parts of Ireland shows that there is a certain divergence on Sundays. Obviously this matter can be considered, but there are no plans at present for changing the law.
§ Mr. SorefDoes my hon. Friend not agree that sobriety is a high priority in Ulster and that any relaxation of the licensing laws is likely to result in further inflammation of feeling and passion?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI am glad to take a lesson in sobriety from my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. KilfedderIs my hon. Friend aware of the great number of illegal drinking dens in Northern Ireland? What action does he intend to take to close down these shebeens, where alcohol is sold which has been taken from hijacked lorries? Does he not agree that the recent liberalisation of licensing laws does not seem to require further extension, especially in view of the high consumption of alcohol in the Province and the number of road accidents directly attributable to drink?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThat is an important point. Unquestionably the extensive destruction of Catholic pubs by Protestants and Protestant pubs by Catholics has led to an extension of illegal drinking. This is a subject of much concern to the chief constable and my right hon. Friend. But I cannot make a further announcement about it this afternoon.