§ Mr. Denmanasked the Home Secretary what in general are the conditions and restrictions on which he proposes to insist before giving his authority to the sale of intoxicants at canteens under Order in Council 60AA?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Defence Regulation to which my hon. Friend refers empowers the appropriate Minister, where he is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient for securing the due performance of essential work, to make special arrangements for the supply of intoxicating liquor in canteens for the benefit of such workers as may be specified in the authorisation granted by the Minister. Such authority will be granted only where there is a substantial need for such facilities and subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be agreed between the appropriate Minister on the one hand and the Home Secretary or the Secretary of State for Scotland on the other. Such an authorisation will be granted for a period not exceeding six months in the first instance, and may be revoked at any time. Apart from exceptional circumstances which may exist in special cases, the conditions 333W to be imposed will normally provide for the consumption of beer or cider only, to be consumed on the premises of the canteen during permitted hours, and as an ancillary to a meal. No credit sales, nor commission, will be permitted. Profits, if any, on sales will be devoted to welfare purposes, and the police will enjoy the right of entry and inspection at all times.