§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many recent representations he has received from(a) right hon. and hon. Members and (b) others about changes in the names of public houses. [1883]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Department received seven letters on this subject from hon. Members or their constituents.
§ Mr. WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to bring forward legislation to include within planning law the names of public houses; and if he will make a statement. [1884]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordI believe that it would introduce unnecessary and excessive regulation to introduce planning controls over the naming or renaming of public houses. Owners of licensed premises should retain their right to trade under the name of their choice, just as their customers have a freedom to drink where they choose.
However, members of the public do make their views known and this can have a considerable influence on owners' decisions, generally against change.