§ MR. T. H. BOLTON (St. Pancras, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has received representations from the Actors' Association (an incorporated Society for the theatrical profession) protesting against the decision of the Justices at Rugby in Petty Sessions granting the renewal of a licence for the performance of stage plays at a shed or booth constructed entirely of wood, called the "Theatre Royal, Rugby," on the ground that this shed or booth is manifestly unfit to be licensed as a theatre; and whether, as there appears to be no appeal from this decision of the Justices, he will request them to reconsider the matter?
§ MR. ASQUITHI have received the representation referred to, also a report from the Justices; but I have no power to require them to reconsider their decision. The Justices have their power to license theatres by delegation from the County Council under Section 28 of the Local Government Act, 1888. So far as any danger from fire is concerned, the District Council can put in force the provisions of Section 36 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1890, but I have no jurisdiction in the matter.