§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether in Ireland the magistrates have the same power which they have in England, to order the closing of public houses when they have reason to apprehend a riot; and, if so, whether the Government will recommend them to take that step in the disturbed districts?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)Yes, Sir; magistrates in Ireland have the same power as in England—namely, to order the closing of public-houses during a riot, or when they have reason to apprehend a riot, and this power they exercise whenever the circumstances appear to them to require such order. I do not think it is at all necessary, nor in my opinion would it be proper, for the Government to give the magistrates any directions as to the performance of this duty.