§ 31. Mr. GILBERTasked the Home Secretary how many districts of licensing magistrates exist in the county of London; what is the total number of magistrates in the county entitled to sit for licensing; and whether, with a view of uniformity of decisions on licensing in London, he will consider as to reducing the number of licensing districts so as to obtain the same?
Mr. DAVIESThe number of licensing districts in the county of London is 17. The total number of magistrates in the county is 755, all of whom are entitled to but do not necessarily sit as licensing justices. The suggestion in the last part of the question would involve legislation altering among other things the law that licensing districts are petty sessional divisions, and my right hon. Friend cannot promise to undertake this.