§ MR. M'LAREN (Cheshire, Crewe)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to an evasion of the law requiring sellers of watches to take out plate licences, by large London dealers sending unlicensed agents into country districts to form watch clubs among working men, and even among domestic servants; whether such agents should each take out a licence; and whether the secretary or managing member of each watch club should also take out a licence to sell; and, whether, if such be the case, he will take steps to have the law carried out?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The Board of Inland Revenue are not aware of any evasion of the law, as stated by the hon. Member. A person who, as agent, sells plate, or takes orders for the same, otherwise than in the capacity of a bonâ fide traveller, is required to obtain a licence; but a person who merely acts as the secretary or managing member of a watch club, receiving instalments of purchase-money from the members in payment for watches sold to them by dealers in plate at their licensed premises, does not require a licence.