MR. BRUCEsaid, it would be for the convenience of the House and of the country to know that, after consideration, he had decided that there was no prospect of his being able to introduce a Bill to amend the law relating to the sale of exciseable liquors, having the large scope which such a Bill should have—for it would consolidate at least 40 Acts of Parliament—in addition to the other important measures to which the Government were pledged. The Government, however, would consider it their duty to introduce the Bill at the earliest possible moment next Session. Meanwhile, he proposed to introduce a short temporary Bill, to prevent the vesting of any interest which might otherwise be created by the granting of any new licences at the brewster sessions held between this and next Session. Such licences would be granted for a year only, and would be subject to any conditions upon which Parliament might determine in the temporary Bill he should submit.
§ MR. ASSHETON CROSSsaid, he regretted the decision of the Government not to legislate on this question in the present Session.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONsaid, he must remind the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Bruce) that licences for the sale of intoxicating drinks were never granted for more than a year.