§ MR. CALEB WRIGHT (Lancashire, S.W., Leigh)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if, by virtue of the powers given to County Councils by Section 6 of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties Bill, in respect of premises ceasing to be used for the sale of intoxicating liquors, such Councils may make pecuniary compensation to all persons having such interest as is there indicated; and, if so, upon what principle or mode of calculation such compensation may be assessed and paid?
§ *MR. RITCHIEThe powers proposed to be given to County Councils in respect of the extinction of licences are purely voluntary. They are not bound to buy, nor those interested to sell. This being so, it did not seem to the Government to be necessary to lay down any principle 252 or mode of calculation by which the extinction of the licence should be secured.
§ MR. BRADLAUGHAre we to understand from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that "purely voluntary" means that it is in the discretion of the County Council to give or not give in various cases of the same quality and degree?
§ *MR. RITCHIEUnquestionably; it is entirely within their discretion. They will never spend a penny unless they like, and the mode in which they spend it is entirely within their own option.
§ MR. ROWNTREE (Scarborough)Is there to be any other means of dealing with the money except through the County Council?
§ *MR. RITCHIENo, Sir; no other means.