§ MR. CAINE (Barrow-in - Furness)asked the President of the Local Go- 1039 vernment Board, If his attention has been called to the judgment yesterday in the Court of Queen's Bench in respect of the appeal of a publican from the refusal of the Cumberland magistrates to renew his licence for reasons other than offences against the law; and, if in consequence, he intends to press the Compensation Clauses of the Local Government Bill?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)My attention has been called to the decision given by two of the Judges of the Queen's Bench Division. My hon. Friend is, of course, aware that the judgment was not given by a final Court of Appeal. I may say, however, that the proposals in connection with the Compensation Clauses of the Local Government Bill are based upon what we consider are the equitable claims of those who now possess licences; and we do not, therefore, propose to withdraw them from the consideration of the House in consequence of the decision referred to.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)On this question, might I ask the Solicitor General if he is prepared, in view of this decision, to make any modification of his statement of the law on the subject?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (Sir EDWARD CLARKE) (Plymouth)No, Sir; I am not.