§ SIR JOHN KENNAWAYasked the Prime Minister, Whether it was his in- 1083 tention to persevere with the Clause in the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors in Railway Carriages?
MR. GLADSTONESir, it is not a clause in the Revenue Bill; but I wish to make a short statement on the subject, and also on another point raised by the Leader of the Opposition. This proposal, of allowing strong liquors to be retailed in Pullman cars, was viewed by the Railway Companies who made the application, and by the Board of Inland Revenue, as simply a matter of administration. They were not at all prepared to expect that it would be regarded as a proposal of a revolutionary character. To dispose of their proposal would occupy several hours of the time of the House, and it is not my wish, since it is comparatively unimportant in relation to other matters, to ask the House to devote several hours to it. The proposal has been killed by the menaces to which it has been exposed. With regard to those who have opposed it, I should be glad if they would supply the Board of Inland Revenue with any suggestions they may have, so that they may be considered if the proposal should appear in a future year. I have also to state that, in fulfilment of the conditional pledge which I gave on Friday, it is my intention to ask the House to meet at 2 o'clock to-morrow, for the purpose of discussing the Motion of the hon. Member for Longford (Mr. Justin M'Carthy), and any kindred topic.