§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been directed to the frequent and increasing practice of the purchase by brewers of licensed premises when sold after the death of a former owner—thus creating a new claim for vested interest and an encouragement to drinking, and thereby neutralising the intentions and efforts of the legislature; also the practice of single justices (not acting in public or in Court) of granting an extension of hours for drinking; and, whether he will take any steps, by legislation, or the issue of a circular and other means, to endeavour to check the evils arising from the prevalence of the practices above described?
MR ASSHETON CROSS,in reply, said, the Secretary of State could have no knowledge of the purchase by brewers of licensed premises after the death of the former owner, and he could not prevent the purchase of such premises by brewers. As to the second part of his Question, he had to inform the hon. Baronet that a single justice had no power to grant an extension of the hours for public-houses to be kept open on special occasions; that could only be done by two justices of the peace in petty sessions assembled. He was, however, of opinion that the merits of each application for an extension of the hours should be carefully considered, and, if possible, a uniform system be adopted, so as to prevent different rules being laid down in different parts of the country. There were difficulties, no doubt, in the way; but the magistrates, when they assembled at quarter sessions, might consider and discuss the whole question.