§ 17. Mr. Dayasked the Home Secretary the number of exemption orders granted by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolitan area under the Licensing Acts for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; and whether he will consider amending the existing licensing laws in order that all such applications could be referred to the licensing justices of the Metropolitan divisions?
§ Sir J. SimonDuring the year ended 31st March, 1937, 29,305 special orders of exemption were granted by the Commissioner to licensed premises, and 3,155 to clubs. The suggestion in the second part of the question has been noted, but as at present advised, I see no reason for any such change in the granting authority as proposed by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DayWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider dealing with this subject in London in the same way as it is dealt with in the provinces?
§ Sir J. SimonThe conditions in the provinces are not the same. There is an obvious advantage in a great place like London in having a central authority which is able to secure uniform decisions.