§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the proprietor of the Moira Hotel and Restaurant, Dublin, recently applied to the police authorities, Dublin, for permission to allow the members of the University Philosophical Society to remain on his premises after the usual closing hours on the occasion of their annual dinner, and if that leave was refused; whether he is aware that every previous annual dinner was held on licensed premises, and will he 1638W state why the privilege was now withheld; whether he is aware that the caterer, in order to fulfil his contract to supply dinner and refreshments, was obliged to apply to the city magistrate for an occasional or temporary licence for an unlicensed restaurant; whether it was granted; and, if so, what is the objection to grant the same facilities to licensed as to unlicensed premises?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Dublin Metropolitan Police authorities that the proprietor of the hotel referred to did not apply to them as stated, but he applied for and obtained an occasional licence to enable him to supply the supper in question from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on unlicensed premises. Such occasional licences, as I am advised by the Law Officers, cannot be granted for licensed premises without fresh legislation. The police do not know where the previous annual dinners of the University Philosophical Society were held.