HC Deb 30 January 1929 vol 224 cc950-1W
Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that licensees of houses under the State management do not take out a justices' licence, the issue of which is compulsory in the case of houses privately managed; that the State management open new licensed houses and close others without reference to the local licensing bench; and whether he will consider putting the State houses under the same restrictions as private licensed houses?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The practice pursued in the State Management Districts is in accordance with Statute, and I have no power to alter it. I may perhaps mention that in this sort of matter I always ask the advice of the local advisory committee, which includes amongst its members representatives of the local licensing Bench, and that the usual Excise Licence Duties are paid in respect of the premises in which the sale of liquor is carried on, and the managers of the houses are subject to the statutory provisions affecting licence-holders, and the restrictions imposed upon them by law.