§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE PAYMASTER-GENERAL (LORD ASHBY ST. LEDGERS)My Lords, this is a Bill to extend to the city of Dublin the same facilities for licensed houses remaining open after closing hours as are enjoyed in this country under the Licensing Act of 1872. The only difference between the procedure proposed under this Bill and that in existence in this country is in regard to the authority by whom such extension of time may be granted. In London it is granted by the Police authority, and elsewhere in England by a Court of petty sessions. It is proposed that the authority in Dublin should be one of the three stipendiary magistrates, and it is thought that that will give additional security that these extensions will not be granted except on occasions when they are desirable. This Bill has come up from another place. It was amended in Committee there, and 593 it is believed that in its present form it meets with the approval of the temperance party; at least, no opposition was offered to it in the House of Commons, and the Government believe that the Bill carries out a very desirable reform. I think this may be regarded as a non-contentious Bill. It will certainly remove what undoubtedly is a hardship in the city of Dublin, and I hope your Lordships will be prepared to give it a Second Reading.
Moved, That the Bill be now react 2a.—(Lord Ashby St. Ledgers.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House Tomorrow