HC Deb 19 June 1997 vol 296 c248W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the enforcement of the law in respect of absentee landlords of public houses. [4079]

Mr. George Howarth

I am not aware of any particular problems in this area of the law. If the hon. Member has specific concerns, I should be happy to look into them.

Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a national database of(a) pub licensees and (b) persons who are barred from becoming pub licensees. [4077]

Mr. Howarth

I see no need to do so. Liquor licence applicants have to make a statutory declaration that they are not ineligible, and the licensing courts and police make appropriate enquiries about every applicant.