THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURYMy Lords, I rise to ask His Majesty's Government for information as to the probable date of the introduction into Parliament of the promised measure of licensing reform, with the object of effectively diminishing the evils which result from the sale and use of intoxicating liquors under present conditions. In putting this question, I have no intention whatever of saying a word to cause embarrassment to His Majesty's Government, nor have I thought of asking 817 for detailed information, which it is naturally and reasonably impossible to give at the present moment. But there is in this House a very widespread interest in the measure foreshadowed in the gracious Speech from the Throne as likely to be brought before Parliament during the present session, and while there is a wide difference of opinion on the subject there is no difference of opinion as to its importance or as to the desirability of our knowing beforehand the probable date of the introduction of the promised measure. My own view, as any of your Lordships who have followed recent legislation or attempted legislation on this subject know, is one strongly in favour of a forward policy in this particular matter. There are other noble Lords who take an exactly opposite view. We are all agreed in realising the importance of the subject, and in feeling that with its immense intricacy adequate time must be offered to us if we are to discuss as we should a subject which concerns so widely the well-being of the people. No subject mentioned in His Majesty's gracious Speech excited a wider interest among the people at large than the reference to the impending measure on this particular subject. It is because I for one am anxious that such legislation, should be adequately considered, that I venture to ask His Majesty's Government whether they are able to give us some general outline as to what is going to happen upon a matter which concerns us all so closely, and which excites so wide an interest outside this House.
§ *THE EARL OF CREWEMy Lords, I am exceedingly sorry not to be able to give the most rev. Primate a reply of the character which he would consider satisfactorily. I should be glad if it had been possible to give a definite answer to his question, but I am not in a position to do so. All I can say is that an announcement will be made in another place as early as possible, but I am afraid there is not much prospect of that announcement being made before Easter. I am quite aware of the keen interest with which noble Lords in this House and many people outside await some knowledge of the proposals of His Majesty's Government on this subject, and I can assure the most rev. Primate that we shall endeavour to give them the information 818 they desire as soon as it can be done in connection with the general course of business.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNThis question of licensing is one of very great importance, and one in which your Lordships feel a deep interest. I should like to ask the noble Earl, therefore, whether it would not be possible, in the congested condition of business in the other House, to introduce the Licensing Bill in this House.
§ *THE EARL OF CREWEI will, of course, convey the request of the noble Earl to my right hon. friend the Home Secretary, but I am not very hopeful of any concession being made in the direction referred to.
§ *THE EARL OF CREWEThe Bill being the Home Secretary's Bill he would probably desire to introduce it himself, and also, I should think, there may be other reasons of a financial character which would cause him to take that view.