§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Home Secretary how many aliens now hold public-house licences in this country; and whether such licences will be transferred to British subjects?
§ Sir J. AndersonI regret that information is not available as to the number of aliens holding public-house licences. Aliens, as such, are not disqualified from holding such licences, but a number of alien licensees have already been prevented by internment from carrying on their business, and in those cases it is open to the new tenant or occupier of the 459W licensed premises to apply to the licensing justices for transfer of the licence.
§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Home Secretary how many registered clubs in this country are held by enemy aliens and when such clubs will be closed?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have no information as to the number of registered clubs owned or managed by enemy aliens, but a close watch is being kept on the activities of all enemy aliens and, in addition to the powers which the police have under the ordinary licensing laws to secure that undesirable clubs are struck off the register, there are special powers under the Aliens Order, 1920, enabling me to authorise the police in certain circumstances to close any place used as a club which is, or has recently been, frequented by aliens.