Orders of the Day — Entertainments (Increased Penalties) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 10:29 am on 9 March 1990.

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Photo of Mr Graham Bright Mr Graham Bright , Luton South 10:29, 9 March 1990

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman appreciates that I said that we would consider that issue in Committee. I am aware of the matters that he mentioned this morning, but I am sure that he will agree that our main concern must be to control illegal parties. If an illegal operator accepts a licence and then totally disregards the terms and conditions of that licence, we must have the power to deal with it. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman accepts that powers given to the courts are to be used with the court's discretion. The fact that there is a maximum fine of £2,000 does not mean that the court will impose it. The public complain too often that magistrates never use the powers that we have given them.