§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received from residents of Northern Ireland concerning proposals to extend licensing hours; and how many of these representations have been (a) broadly in favour of the extension of such hours and (b) opposed thereto.
§ Mr. NeedhamI have received 26,904 letters from members of the public and organisations concerning the Government's proposals to extend licensing hours in Northern Ireland. Of these, 16,461 were in favour of and 10,443 were opposed to the proposals. I have also received petitions from the Presbyterian and Free Presbyterian Churches containing 25,935 and 23,594 signatures respectively opposing the proposals.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy that measures which he proposes on licensing hours in Northern Ireland should be in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the people in Northern Ireland, and to consult with hon. Members representing constituencies in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamI shall consider carefully the view of all those who have commented on the Government's proposals for changes in the licensing hours as they apply to licensed premises and registered clubs in deciding the 339W contents of the draft legislation which Parliament will be asked to approve later this year. I shall also take account of the representations which the Government have received since publication of the Blackburn report in 1979, as well as the findings of attitudes surveys conducted by the Government in 1978 and 1984. Additionally, I shall have regard to other important considerations, including the unsatisfactory state of the existing law, the problems of enforcement, and of course, the implications for the health of the community.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is his intention to proceed with proposals to extend licensing hours in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamI am at present considering the representations received from members of the public, churches, and other organisations. I shall take all the views expressed fully into account when deciding what changes, if any, should be made to the published proposals.