The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1920-07-16
STATUS OF LEGISLATION.
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Government Licensing Bill Has
Again Been Postponed Until
After Summer Adjournment
TRADE BACKS BILL S
Introduces Bill to Abolish Power
of Local Justices; to Give Lii
censes 81 Years Life
(By Geo. B. Wilson,

The legislative proposals of the
Government have not yet been placed
before Parliament. The Government
Licensing Bill has again been post
poned until after the summer adjourn
ment, and il the government decides
against an autumn session the bill will,
of course, not be introduced until
next year.
Pending legislation the Central Con-
troll Board Liquor Traffic. remains
in power until II months from the
termination of the war and as the
British Empire is still technically at
war with Turkey the necessity, on
purely technical grounds, for the in
PRODUCTION of bill Is doubtless con-
sidered by the government not to be
urgent. 1t is understood that great
differences have arisen in the cabinet
as TO the character of the measure
to be introduced and particularly as
to whether it shall contain Local OPP
ton powers.
The Temperance (Wales) bill, which
was read a second time in the House
of Commons on the 10Th of March,
was referred to a committee of the
whole House. In view of the present
congestion OF parliamentary business
this means that the measure is dead.
1t was opposed by Mr.. II. A. L.
Fisher, the Minister OF Education,
who will be in charge OF the govern
ment Licensing bill, but his assistant
secretary, Mr.. J. Herbert Lewis,
stated in the House OF Commons, at
ter Mr. Fisher had spoken, that Mr..
LLOYD George had intended to speak
and vote for the second reading but
was prevented by the necessity for
meeting the Miners Federation.
The apparent conflict between the at
titude of the Prime Minister and his
government puzzled the House of
Commons and has aroused consider
able anxiety in Wales.
The Intoxicating liquor local veto
Greland) bill introduced by number
of ulster members of Parliament is
dead for this session, having been
talked out by the liquor men on the
second reading debate.
The liquor traffic local veto eng
land and Wales) bill introduced last
session by Mr. P. w. Rattan, NJ. P,
supported by a number of liberal
members, has just been rcintroduced
and read a first time. 1t will be
printed and circulated among the
members. but although formal date
for its second reading has been Civ
en- there is no prospect whatever Of
its further progress during this ses-
sion.
The licensing bill introduced by
Col. Gretton and other liquor trade
members, seeking practically to abol-
ish the powers of the local justices,
to give licenses a Fl years. run, to
open the public house to women and
children with power for entertain
ments and games, including games
for money, has also been introduced,
read first time and printed, but
cannot possibly be carried any fur
Their this session.
Another trade bill has also been
introduced by Sir w. w. Rutherford,
NJ. P, entitled 1.-THE Public House
Improvement Bill' providing for
grant of special improved public
house" licenses with partial immun-
ity from taxation and other priv
ileges. It will not proceed further
this session.