HC Deb 28 June 1979 vol 969 cc631-2
7. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to introduce measures to implement the Erroll committee's report on liquor licensing.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Timothy Raison)

We have at present no plans to introduce legislation on this subject.

Mr. Knox

Is my hon. Friend aware that since the Scottish licensing laws were liberalised in 1976 there has been a sharp decline in convictions for drunkenness, while convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales have increased? Does he accept that that is a powerful argument for liberalising the English and Welsh licensing laws on the lines suggested by the Erroll committee?

Mr. Raison

I cannot comment on the Scottish position. However, the fact that offences of drunkenness have increased, especially among young people, is causing a great deal of concern. I am not persuaded that the public will believe that the right answer is necessarily to change the licensing laws.

Mr. Crowther

Does the Minister understand that our licensing laws make us the laughing stock of the world, and are especially frustrating to the tourist industry? Is it not wise that we should at least move into the twentieth century before the twenty-first century arrives?

Mr. Raison

It is a subject on which there are conflicting views. It would be right to have a greater measure of consensus before we moved to legislation.

Mr. Lawrence

Is my hon. Friend aware that many friends in Burton-upon-Trent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department will want to drink my right hon. Friend's good health in the local product on the occasion of his birthday today, and that they would be much happier and would drink with greater cheer if the Government showed some determination to relieve the burden of an oppressive licensing system that is many years out of date?

Mr. Raison

I am sure that my right hon. Friend will wish to thank my hon. Friend for his kind words. The Government's mind is not completely closed, but we are not persuaded at present that legislation would be appropirate.

Mr. Cryer

Will the Minister confirm that before any legislation was embarked upon there should be the widest consultation with all those involved, such as members of the National Union of Licensed Victuallers, who would be greatly concerned about any rush to change the legislation? Does he agree that there is public concern about the amount of drink consumed in Britain? Will he do anything about the application of the Blennerhassett report about the great problems of drinking and driving?

Mr. Raison

The Blennerhassett report is not a matter for the Home Office. However, I shall bear in mind the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question. I shall, of course, consider any representations that are made to my Department.