§ 6. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the heavy taxation of every branch of the licensed trade at the present time, he will consider recommending to the licensing authorities concerned that they should permit all licensed houses throughout the country to open for the extra optional half-hour, with the object of alleviating the unemployment and distress in the trade and its allied industries?
Mr. STANLEYI presume that the hon. Member refers to the power possessed by licensing justices outside the Metropolis to advance the latest permitted hour from 10 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. This is a matter which rests entirely in the discretion of the licensing justices, who are required under the Statute to be satisfied before so extending the hour that the special requirements of the district render such extension desirable. My right hon. Friend could not, therefore, properly issue any such general recommendation to licensing authorities as suggested.