§ Mr. VIANTasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the chief constable of Eastbourne has objected to a number of special orders of exemption on the ground that the extension of hours added to the opportunities of drinking to excess; and whether, in view of the widespread protests called forth by the policy 1556W of special exemptions, he will secure and publish an official return which will indicate the general police view of the consequences of this policy?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, my right hon. Friend is not aware that there have been widespread protests, as stated, against the grant of special extensions of hours, and he does not think that any useful purpose would be served at the present time by the collection of such a return as suggested.