§ Mr. BRADYasked the Chief Secretary whether he proposes to take any, and, if so, what, steps to enable the citizens of Dublin to hold dinners, balls, and other entertainments in the hotels, restaurants, or other places in Dublin in which such entertainments have hitherto been held; and by whose authority the regulations affecting such entertainments have been altered?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs I have already stated, I am prepared to consider the question of legislation when an opportunity arises, but it is obviously impossible to do anything in the matter at present. The difficulty arises from the state of the law, and not from any regulations.
§ Mr. BRADYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that on the 7th of this month the hon. Member for Salford asked a similar question and was informed in reply by the Secretary of the Home Department that there were eighty-two such premises in London in which these facilities were provided?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes; the law differs in the two countries.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI hope to do it at an early date.
§ Mr. BIRRELLAs soon as I can.
§ Mr. NANNETTIIn view of the hardship to licence holders, may I ask if it is in the power of the Chief Commissioner to grant licences for the holding of these entertainments until such time as it is made legal by Act of Parliament?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI wish it were so, but I am advised it is not the case.