§ MR. HULSE (Salisbury)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the statements made in an article in the Evening News and Post of Monday the 6th instant as to the proceedings in certain political clubs on Sunday; and whether the police and Excise authorities have been, or could be, instructed to 1441 take steps to prevent this alleged violation of the law?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTSince this question has been put down I have seen the article referred to, which seems of a somewhat sensational character. The Inland Revenue, in the last 12 months, have obtained 15 convictions of bogus clubs in the Metropolitan area, and fines have been inflicted, where evidence can be procured.
§ MR. HULSEIs the Government prepared to direct the attention of the Excise authorities to what goes on in these so-called clubs on Sundays?
§ SIB W. HARCOURTTheir attention has been drawn to it, and 15 convictions have been obtained as a result.