§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has given any guidance to either the Metropolitan Police or to any other police authority with regard to the granting of historic market day licence extensions.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the granting of exemption orders under section 74(1) and (4) of the Licensing Act 1964. The power to make such orders is exercised in the Metropolitan Police district by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, acting with my approval; in the City of London, by the Commissioner of Police for the City, acting with the approval of the Lord Mayor; elsewhere in England and Wales, by the licensing justices.
I have not had occasion to give the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis any general guidance on the exercise of the powers conferred by section 74, and I have no responsibility in regard to the exercise of those powers elsewhere.