HL Deb 01 February 1990 vol 515 cc420-1

3.37 p.m.

Lord Mason of Barnsley rose to move, That the Bill be withdrawn.

The noble Lord said: My Lords, I have been informed by the Government that it is their intention to make an order prescribing the measures in which wine may be sold by the glass on licensed premises. I am informed that they expect to be able to raise such an order in Parliament before the summer for approval under the affirmative resolution procedure. It is therefore no longer necessary for me to proceed with the Bill. I beg to move.

Moved, That the Bill be withdrawn. —(Lord Mason of Barnsley.)

Lord Tordoff

My Lords, it would be appropriate for your Lordships to congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Mason of Barnsley, on the progress that he has made on this important matter. As a result of his having brought the matter before your Lordships' House it is now to be dealt with by the Government. The noble Lord is greatly to be congratulated.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, I am happy to confirm that it is the Government's intention to proceed as the noble Lord, Lord Mason, has described.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, we congratulate the Government on taking action on this matter at long last. They could have done so five years ago. Will the Minister be good enough to join the noble Lord, Lord Tordoff, in congratulating my noble friend Lord Mason on bringing the matter to the attention of Parliament?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, I shall be answering a Question for Written Answer from the noble Lord later today from which I hope that the noble Lord will extract the necessary measure of satisfaction.

On Question, Motion agreed to.