§ MR. O. V. MORGAN (Battersea)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether, taking into consideration that in the Metropolitan area the houses of retailers of spirits are kept open until 12.30 a.m., he will agree to add 100 per cent instead of 20 per cent proposed in the Local Government Bill, and make a corresponding reduction to owners of houses who will close at an earlier time than 12.30 a.m.; for instance, if the value of the house is under £100, the duty is at present £25; will he consent to increase the duty to £50; but when the owner agrees by his licence to close at 12 o'clock, to reduce to £40; 11.30 p.m., 1723 to £30; 11 p.m., to £25; 10.30 p.m., to £20?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)No, Sir; I am unable to agree to the proposal of the hon. Member that the Licensed Victuallers' Duty shall be paid in the proportion suggested in the Question of the hon. Member.