§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland 416 whether he can state the number of prosecutions brought against spirit grocers in Belfast for offences against the Licensing Acts during the year ending 31st January, 1908, the number of these in which convictions were obtained, and the number of appeals lodged by the police against dismissals.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) During the twelve months ending 31st January, 1908, there were eighty-six prosecutions against spirit grocers in Belfast for breaches of the Licensing Acts. The number of convictions was thirty-six, and three cases stand adjourned. The police have no right of appeal against dismissals in such cases.