§ Mr. MOONEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is usual in London to allow licensed premises to remain open after the usual hour for closing on the occasions when balls, dances, or public dinners are given on such licensed premises; whether this permission is given by virtue of any Act of Parliament; and, if so, what Act or Acts, or 730 whether it is a discretionary power exercised by the police for the benefit and convenience of the public?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Gladstone)Permission for licensed premises in London to remain open after the usual hour for closing on special occasions, such as those indicated in the question, is given in pursuance of the discretionary power for the benefit or convenience of the public conferred on the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis by Section 29 of the Licensing Act, 1872.
§ Mr. MOONEYDo I understand that there is a practice of allowing discretion to the police; and is that discretion to the police all over the Kingdom?
§ Mr. GLADSTONENo.
§ Mr. MOONEYOnly in London?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEThe Commissioner has discretion only in the Metropolis.