§ SIR WILFEID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether he can state to the House the terms of the notification made by the Metropolitan Police authorities, authorising the publicans and beerhouse keepers within their jurisdiction to keep their houses open for the sale of drink until 2 a.m. on Jubilee night; and, whether he can state what means were taken to bring such notice to the knowledge of the publicans and beerhouse keepers concerned therein?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)A Circular was issued by the Chief Commissioner to Superintendents of Divisions, from whom the publicans would, in the ordinary course, make inquiry. The Circular was to the effect that the police were not to take proceedings against publicans or other licensed persons for keeping open their houses up till 2 a.m. on the 22nd of June, unless there was disorder, and the law was infringed.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONCould that Circular be regarded as having been legally issued?
§ MR. MATTHEWSWithout Notice I ought not to be called upon to answer questions of law. It is not for me to give a decision; but, as far as I know the law, it seems to me to be an irregular mode of granting licences. The Chief Commissioner had determined to grant occasional licences in connection with this special event; but the time had been found insufficient.