§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary whether the police authorities in Dublin have discretionary powers to giant temporary extensions of licences to hotel-keepers on whose licensed premises balls or other festive gatherings may be held; if so, will he say to whom application for such temporary extension should be made; whether he is aware of the numerous extensions of a similar character that were granted in London last year; and if he will take steps to place the two capitals on terms of equality in this respect?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe police authorities in Dublin have no power to grant extensions of licences to hotel-keepers in any circumstances for the purposes indicated in the question, but it has been customary for them to exercise a discretion as regards allowing persons engaged in social functions to remain on licensed premises after closing hours. The law regulating the closing of licensed premises in London differs from that in force in Dublin. It is not, therefore, within my power to comply with the suggestion contained in the last paragraph of the question.