Lords Sitting of 27 May 1851

MINUTES.
PUBLIC BILLS.—2a Public Houses (Scotland).
3a Aberdeen Public Records.

PUBLIC HOUSES (SCOTLAND) BILL.
LORD KINNAIRDmoved that that Bill be read a Second Time. The measure was substantially the same as the one which had passed their Lordships' House in the last Session of Parliament, and which was sent down to the Commons. In consequence, however, of the lateness of the Session, it was withdrawn.
The EARL of MINTOsaid, he would not oppose the second reading of the Bill, if the noble Baron would consent to refer it to a Select Committee, as he thought that some of the details were rather objectionable.
LORD KINNAIRDsaid, that, as the Bill had been already very maturely considered, and had been before the public since the last Session of Parliament, he did not see that any advantage could be gained by referring it to a Select Com-
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mittee. He should, however, bow to the wish of the House upon that question.
The EARL of MINTOnamed the points of the Bill which he considered objectionable.
The DUKE of ARGYLLsaid, that he could not concur in any of the objections urged against the measure. He cordially assented both to the principle and the chief details of the Bill. He regretted, however, that the Bill did not go further, and provide for the better licensing of these public-houses. According to the census which had just been taken, it appeared that the population of Glasgow amounted to 333,657. One-third of that number consisted of children under fifteen years of age. By deducting these children there then appeared to be 222,448 persons who might be said to be capable of frequenting these public-houses. The total number of spirit shops that at present existed in Glasgow was 1,914. Of these there were 33 taverns which did not furnish drink exclusively; deducting, then, these 33 taverns, there still remained 1,881 shops for the exclusive sale of intoxicating drinks. Comparing, then, the amount of population with the number of these public-houses,

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it appeared that there was one spirit shop for every 117 adults; and then, calculating that one-half of these adults were females, there would then he one spirit shop for every 58 adult males. What a fearful consideration was this!
The EARL of EGLINTONthought the evils of the present system could not he exaggerated, and their Lordships could not do a greater service to Scotland than by passing some such Bill as the present.
The EARL of MINTOdid not intend, on the part of the Government, to offer any opposition to the Bill at its present stage; but there were details which would require alteration in Committee.
After a few words from the Duke of Richmond and the Duke of BUCCLEUCH in support of the Bill,
LORD KINNAIRDreplied.
Motion agreed to. Bill read 2a.
House adjourned till Friday next.