HC Deb 08 June 1888 vol 326 cc1537-8
MR. SUMMERS (Huddersfield)

asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he can lay upon the Table of the House any facts or statistics that would enable hon. Members to form an estimate of the value of public house property in this country; and, whether, if he is not at present in a position to do so, he will take such steps as may be necessary for the purpose?

THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)

I am obtaining a statement of the total gross annual value of publicans' licensed promises in the several Inland Revenue collections in England and Wales, which I shall be glad to lay upon the Table of the House when completed.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would procure and lay on the Table of the House a list of the Members of the House who were Directors or shareholders of Joint Stock Brewing Companies who owned these houses.

MR. RITCHIE

said, he did not consider it possible to obtain such a list; and, even if it were possible, he did not see that any public advantage would be gained by procuring it.

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

inquired, whether it would not be possible to show by figures whether the market value of licensed houses was, on the average, more than three years' purchase?

MR. RITCHIE

considered the Question not at all germane to the statement he had made.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

With reference to this Question, I should like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, a Question. Rule 211 declares that no Member of this House shall be entitled to vote on any question in which he has a direct pecuniary interest, and that the vote of any Member so interested shall be disallowed. May I ask, whether those interested in breweries will be allowed to vote on this matter,

MR. SPEAKER

That is a point which is settled by the judgment of the House.