HC Deb 23 February 1921 vol 138 cc987-8W
Mr. SUGDEN

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the extreme importance of certain Bills mentioned in His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, whether he will give two months' interval between First and Second Reading of Bills dealing with reorganisation of the railways of Great Britain, and dealing with the sale of alcoholic liquor, to enable careful consideration of the Government proposals thereon by the public, and thereby enable also proper legislative enactment to result?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I regret that I cannot give the definite undertaking asked for by my hon. Friend, but as long an interval as possible will be given.

Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER CLAY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Regulations enforced by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) in the borough of Tunbridge Wells and adjoining rural and urban districts may be revoked in view of the fact that the above area can no longer be considered one of the most important munition, naval, and military areas of Great Britain?

The PRIME MINISTER

As has been said in answer to similar questions, the Government are of opinion that this subject should be dealt with in the Licensing Bill which it is proposed to introduce.

Mr. CLOUGH

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a book by the Reverend Henry Carter, entitled "The Control of the Drink Trade," is being circulated to Members of this House as part of the propaganda of a so-called temperance organisation; whether the author is a member of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); if so, does he draw any money from public funds in respect of such membership; and whether he will intimate to this gentleman that whilst he remains a member of this Board he must desist from engaging in controversial propaganda on the subject?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not seen the book referred to by my hon. Friend and I cannot prescribe what literature shall or shall not be circulated to Members of the House by outside organisations. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative and to the third part in the negative.