§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his proposals to extend the permitted hours for off-licences and reduce the permitted hours for off sales at other licensed premises and hotels.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Government have no proposals to extend the permitted hours for off-licences, but have published proposals to ban all off-sales from any type of licensed premises after 9 pm. These proposals are aimed at putting all off-licences on a more even trading basis, as well as reducing the problems of late night drinking in public which have been the cause of widespread concern.