HL Deb 04 February 1954 vol 185 cc691-2

3.50 p.m.

Order of the Day for the consideration of Commons Amendments read.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD LLOYD)

My Lords, I beg to move that the Commons Amendments be now considered.

Moved, That the Commons Amendments be now considered.— (Lord Lloyd.)

LORD MATHERS

My Lords, it may be convenient to your Lordships if on this Motion I make a few general remarks which I find I cannot attach to any of the Amendments that are to come. In connection with this Bill I find some concern in the minds of quite a number of people with regard to the interference, to some extent, with Sunday closing arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Monmouthshire. I have not attempted to put down an Amendment on this matter— it would not be appropriate at this late stage of the Bill— but I want to say that, while that interference is received with concern, there is the compensating fact that the control of these canteens is brought under the local licensing authority and they are liable to police inspection at any time. That is a balance of considerations which I would point out to those who are concerned about the infringement, as it were, of Scottish and Welsh law in this connection. I am not objecting to the Amendments— in fact, I welcome them— and I hope that those who have the responsibility hereafter of controlling these canteens will fully realise (I am talking more particularly in respect of Scotland and Wales) their responsibilities in the matter, and will endeavour to see that nothing untoward or injurious occurs as a result of what is done by this Bill.

LORD LLOYD

My Lords, since the noble Lord has raised this matter may I just say this. He has referred to the strong feeling that exists in Scotland and Wales about Sunday closing, but I am sure that he is aware that these canteens have operated, on a slightly different basis, for a number of years. There are special circumstances connected with seamen which make such a divergence from the usual practice at any rate excusable, even in the minds of the Scots and the Welsh. The noble Lord will remember that, to the best of my ability, I represent Wales in this House. Therefore, I do not think that he need really fear this measure. After all, it is only the continuance of an existing practice, which I think has become accepted in both those parts of the United Kingdom, and I am quite certain—I will give the noble Lord this assurance— that in carrying out the provisions of this Bill, the authorities concerned will bear in mind what he has said.

LORD MATHERS

I thank the noble Lord very much.

On Question, Motion agreed to.