HL Deb 26 February 1976 vol 368 cc815-6

3.15 p.m.

Lord JANNER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take steps to implement Recommendation 15.23 (disposal of Licensing Compensation Funds) of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Liquor Licensing, as this is a separate part of the Report.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, we intend to open consultations with interested organisations on the disposal of these funds as soon as possible.

Lord JANNER

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he is really serious about this matter? Is he aware that £4,200,000 have been lying idle for something like 30 years? Does he take into consideration the fact that this money could have been suitably utilised by the charities of the liquor trade? Also, is he aware that the Erroll Committee, which reported three years ago, stated that the present compensation system should be disposed of, and is it not absurd to hold this money when it is so necessary for charitable purposes?

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, I think the position is that there is general agreement that the fund should be wound up. But the difficulty is that there is no agreement on how it should subsequently be disposed of.

Lord AVEBURY

My Lords, the noble Lord suggests giving the money to charities of the liquor trade. But might it not be a good idea to transfer the money to the National Council on Alcoholism, so that the benefit can be felt by the victims of poisoning by the trade?

Lord JANNER

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether it is not a fact that this money belongs to the trade itself, which is entitled to utilise it for charitable purposes; and that the Erroll Committee has stated categorically—which is quite apart from the rest of the Erroll Committee's Report—that the money should be utilised? Why on earth cannot the Government, or the noble Lord, get in touch with the trade and have consultations about how to utilise it? How can £4,200,000 possibly he kept lying dormant in these times, when this money is so essential for charity?

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, I have indicated that the Government intend to open consultations with interested organisations on how these funds should be disposed of, forthwith.

Lord JANNER

Today?

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, I do not think I can guarantee that the consultations will begin today.