Licensing Rules—Meetings of Compensation Authorities.

HC Deb 13 April 1905 vol 145 cc67-8

^* MR. LEIF JONES (Westmoreland, Appleby)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, under the licensing rules, the compensation authority is empowered to exclude the Press from the preliminary meeting at which the compensation authority has under consideration the report of the renewal authorities as to licences not required in their districts.

^* MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

Rule No. 12 provides that no person shall have a right to be present at the preliminary meeting, other than the members of the compensation authority and representatives of the renewal authority, unless authorised by the compensation authority to attend.

^* MR. LEIF JONES

Can they authorise the presence of the Press and the public if they think fit to do so?

^* MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

The Secretary of State is required by Section 6 of the Act to provide for consultation with the renewal authorities as to their reports, and the rule quoted was drawn for that purpose. There is a clear distinction of meaning between such consultation and public hearing, which is required by Section 1 (2) of the Act, and provided for by Rules 14 to 20; and it appears to be proper that the consultation should be held under such conditions as the authorities concerned think right.

^* MR. LEIF JONES

Then may they admit the Press?

^* MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I conclude if they desire they can do so.