§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that constables have been instructed in Paisley to attempt to consume liquors on licensed premises after closing time in order to obtain a conviction against the licence-holder; and whether he will make a Regulation prohibiting this practice?
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§ Sir J. GILMOURI have made inquiry, and am informed that no instruction of the nature referred to has been issued, but that recently, in order to obtain evidence of the sale and consumption of excisable liquors in a public-house after permitted hours and behind locked doors, two constables were sent into the bar during permitted hours with instructions to remain inside after the expiry of the permitted hours and to report what took place. On the information before me I see no ground for any action on my part.