§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has available on any correlation between crime and licensing laws; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 27 November 1992]: Liquor licensing statistics for 1991 were published in August this year (Scottish Office Statistical Bulletin CRJ/1992/5) following the enactment of stricter statutory controls in the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990. Since 1 January 1991, licensing boards have been required to take account of tighter criteria for the grant of extensions of permitted hours and of any observations made on an application by the chief constable. There are indications that some boards have already reduced the numbers and/or length of regular extensions awarded in their areas. Any trends may become clearer when 1992 figures are available.