§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether until recently it was customary for Dublin hotel keepers, upon application to the police authorities, to obtain permission to allow persons engaged in social functions to remain upon licensed premises after the general hour for closing; whether and upon whose authority this concession was withdrawn; whether special facilities are still given in London for the supplying of refreshments during prohibited hours on 520 special occasions; and what is the reason for differentiating in the administration of the law in the two capitals?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Dublin police authorities that they have always exercised a discretion in this matter and still do so. Owing, however, to a growing misapprehension on the part of hotel keepers as to their obligations, the police have found it necessary to enforce a stricter compliance with the law. The law regulating the closing of licensed premises in Dublin is not the same as in London.
§ Mr. WHITEIs he aware that the police absolutely refuse to grant this concession in hotels in Dublin?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know that they have refused in all cases.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI know they have enforced what they believed to be the law rather more strictly than usual of late.
§ Mr. WHITEWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries? I have informed him it is the case.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will.