HC Deb 04 October 1909 vol 11 cc1662-3
Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the condition of things which has arisen in the Dublin metropolitan police area owing to the attitude of the authorities, which prevents Dublin citizens from enjoying the privilege of giving dinner parties or balls, or any other social entertainment, in hotels unless they leave the premises at 11 p.m. on week-days and 10 p.m. on Saturdays, he will take such steps as will reinstate the old order of things pending the revision of the law, so that Dublin citizens may be permitted to enjoy social life without interference at the hands of the police?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am informed by the police authorities that no change has taken place in their practice as regards dinners in hotels terminating at or close to 11 o'clock p.m. In the case of dances and other entertainments continued to a late hour, the police have recently found it necessary to enforce a stricter compliance with the law, in consequence of a growing misapprehension on the part of hotel keepers as to their obligations. The matter is not one in which I can interfere.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Would the right hon. Gentleman not see the necessity of introducing into the Budget a special Licence Duty for these temporary occasions, whereby a special charge might be made for giving permission in such cases?

Mr. BIRRELL

I will convey that representation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. NANNETTI

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the principal hotels in Dublin a special room is provided for dances and soirées for charitable and other purposes; was not the action of the police the cause of great loss to the proprietors of these places, to the waiters, and to the trade and commerce of the City of Dublin; and will the right hon. Gentleman see that the old permission which formerly was granted when applied for will be given in the future for social purposes?

Mr. BIRRELL

I think there must be some real necessity for alteration of the law, but it is a question whether the present law is to be enforced.

Mr. SLOAN

Is it not a fact that reasonable facilities are always given and that the police are only doing their duty on these occasions?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is what I have said.

Mr. NANNETTI

Is it not a fact that within the last few years this permission has been granted to hotel-keepers in Dublin, and will he not see, when application is made, that the police will give the same permission as formerly?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot hold out any hope of permission to have the law disregarded. If the law requires alteration it must be altered.