§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that all licensed premises in Invergordon belong to the Liquor Control Board, and that on Saturday, 28th June, 1919, all these premises were open until eleven p.m., the 623W hour of closing according to Regulations being nine p.m.; whether their being open was in conformity with the same Regulations of the said Board in respect of which the Fife Agricultural Society were refused an extension of hours at their recent show, whereby they were unable to make satisfactory arrangements for catering for the many thousands who attended; and whether, in view of the bias manifested in such proceedings, he will demobilise the Liquor Control Board, and refrain from appointing a Commission or other successor who must necessarily be subject to the same motives and cause public irritation?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI have been asked to answer this question. I am advised by the Board that the facts are substantially as stated in. the first paragraph of the question. The special circumstances in which these premises were kept open had no bearing on the decision of the Board in regard to the Fife Agricultural Show. The action taken at Invergordon by the Board's district superintendent was on the unanimous advice of the Provost, the commander of the dockyard, and some representatives of the dockyard workers. As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, he is aware that the Government propose to introduce a Bill on the subject.