HC Deb 26 January 1983 vol 35 c453W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Campaign for Real Ale urging more flexible licensing hours; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Mellor

In October the Campaign for Real Ale sent my right hon. Friend a petition signed by 5,500 people at its great British beer festival. In reply, the campaign was told that the Government had at present no plans for legislation in this area, but hoped that in due course the responses to the discussion document "Prevention and Health: Drinking Sensibly", issued by the DHSS, December 1981, will enable sensible decisions to be taken as to whether, and if so how, the licensing law ought to be reformed.