§ Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that the White Hart, a wine shop in Euston-road, London, has exhibited notices in its windows inviting its customers to bring their children there as a place exempt from the provisions of the Children Act; has he any official information showing that children have been brought to the wine bar in this establishment; is he aware that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue granted a wine licence to this establishment after it had been refused renewal of a public-house licence; are the police advised that the White Hart is exempt from the provisions of the Children Act; if so, will he consider the desirability of introducing amending legislation; and, if not, will he see that a prosecution is instituted if the facts warrant it?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe Secretary of State is informed by the Commissioner of Police that notices of the nature 1793W described were shown in the windows of the White Hart, but that they have now been withdrawn. No licence has been granted to this house since its licence as an ordinary public-house was refused renewal by the justices. The occupier enjoys the privileges of a free vintner and requires no licence to sell wine. He is, however, subject to all the provisions of all Acts made for the regulation of persons so licensed, and the Secretary of State is advised that section 120 of the Children Act therefore applies. The police report that they have reason to believe that no children were admitted to the wine bar, notwithstanding the notices, but if any evidence of any offence should be obtained proceedings will be taken.