HL Deb 16 January 1980 vol 404 cc249-50

9.34 p.m.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Elton)

My Lords, I beg to move that the Theatres (Northern Ireland) Order 1979, a draft of which was laid before this House on 11th December 1979, be approved. This order consolidates Section 12 of, and Schedule 2 to, the Intoxicating Liquor and Licensing Act (Northern Ireland) 1927 which provide for the licensing of premises for use as a theatre. It does not provide for the licensing of those premises for the sale of intoxicating liquor. It does not make any changes of substance in the existing law but brings it together in one order. I beg to move.

Moved. That the draft order laid before the House on 11th December, 1979 be approved.—(Lord Elton).

Lord BLEASE

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Elton, for that brief explanation of the order and wish to indicate support for the proposed consolidating measure. As I understand it, the noble Lord has indicated that the order does not make any change in the scope of the existing law in Northern Ireland in respect of the type of premises for which a licence may be granted for use as a theatre. I take it therefore that the order does not place any additional legal or procedural impediment in the way of those persons or organisations who may wish to encourage and promote the interests of the live theatre in Northern Ireland, and for those reasons the measure has my support.

Lord ELTON

My Lords, I am happy to tell the noble Lord that he is right; the order represents no change in the scope or effect of the law and introduces no new obstacles or constraints.

On Question, Motion agreed to.