§ MR. STRAIGHTasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he purposes introducing a Bill to amend the numerous defects that have been found to exist in the Licensing Act of last Session since its coming into operation, and particularly to remove the discretionary powers at present vested in the Chief Commissioner of Police in the metropolis, and the Magistrates in the country, as to the hours of opening and closing?
MR. BRUCE,in reply, said, there had been much interested exaggeration as to the number of defects discovered in that Act. As a matter of fact, only one decision had been in any manner contrary to what was the intention of the Government, and he believed of the Legislature, in passing the Act. That might hereafter be set right; but at present he thought it would be very inexpedient, and contrary to the public interest, to introduce fresh legislation on that subject.