Mr. WINTERTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that application has been made for the granting of a licence to sell intoxicating liquors in premises known as Riemy's Buildings, Princes 1290W in England and Wales which ranks for financial assistance under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923.
Street, Suva, Fiji; that there are already five licensed houses in Suva; that a memorial, signed by a number of the inhabitants, objecting to a licence being granted was presented to the presiding magistrate of the licensing court; and whether arrangements will be made that this matter, which affects the native 1291W interest, shall not be carried through without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Colonies?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Secretary of State was informed during last year that a conditional certificate for a licence had been granted by the acting chief police magistrate to an applicant in respect of a building in Princes Street, but has no more recent information. The licence, if granted, would not, of course, allow the sale of liquor to natives, which is prohibited under heavy penalties; and my Noble Friend is not prepared to interfere with the discretion of the local authorities in regard to the facilities to be granted for the purchase of liquor by non-natives.