§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will consult chief constables regarding violence on licensed premises, with a view to its elimination; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will give details of the number of assaults on licensed house managers over the past two years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesInformation on the number of assaults on licensed house managers is not available. I am satisfied that the powers available to the police for dealing with such offences are adequate. It is for chief constables to decide how best to deal with incidents of violence on licensed premises and on the deployment of their resources, having regard to local circumstances. I have no plans at present for consulting them about this particular subject, but if my hon. Friend has information that he wishes to bring to my attention perhaps he would do so.