HC Deb 21 January 1982 vol 16 c397
1. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any plans to introduce measures to implement the Erroll committee's report on liquor licensing.

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

The Government have at present no plans for further legislation in this area.

Mr. Knox

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there are a great many anomalies in that area and that the law is completely out of date? Does the Home Office ever intend to do anything about those anomalies and to bring the law up to date?

Mr. Raison

There is a widespread feeling that the law contains some anomalies. On the other hand, the plain fact is that there is also a good deal of concern about the extent of heavy drinking, particularly among the young. We feel that it is difficult to move forward unless there is a substantial consensus about what should be done.

Mr. Paul Dean

I recognise the problems of alcohol abuse in a small minority, but will my right hon. Friend recognise that the present outdated laws do nothing to encourage sensible drinking and are a considerable handicap to the holiday and tourist industries? Will he at least consider a modest reform on the lines of the one recently introduced in Scottish law, which appears to be working satisfactorily?

Mr. Raison

As I have said, I recognise that there are anomalies in and criticisms of the present law. I also recognise that the results of the change in Scottish law so far have not been unsatisfactory. However, I repeat that this is an area where there are still a good many problems. We want to move ahead with as much agreement as possible.