§ 41. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on licensing hours in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonSince 1 August we have received 43 letters from hon. Members on behalf of constituents, 14 letters from members of the public and three letters from organisations expressing views on this matter. Of these 60 letters, 53 supported relaxations in the existing law and seven were opposed.
§ 49. Mr. Lilleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to relax licensing hours in certain areas.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThere are no present plans to do so. The Government support the case for a relaxation in permitted hours in principle throughout England and Wales, but we cannot say when legislation might be introduced.
§ 76. Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met representatives of the Flexi Laws action group to discuss reform of licensing laws.
§ Mr. WaddingtonWe have not met representatives of the Flexi Laws action group as such, but we have met members of some of the group's constituent organisations.