HC Deb 07 July 1896 vol 42 c931
SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer—(1) whether the sale of intoxicating liquor in the Law Courts is carried on under a licence, while such sale in the Court of Parliament is carried on without any licence having been paid for or granted; and (2), if so, whether he can give any reason for the different procedure in the two cases?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

The answer to the first paragraph of the Question is Yes. As to the second, I know of no reason unless Parliament is considered as a club.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give orders to the authorities of the Inland Revenue to see that liquor is not sold without a licence?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I should prefer to have some authority from the House first. [Laughter.]

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Is not this Palace of Westminster a Royal palace, and is it not one of the privileges of Royal palaces to supply liquor without a licence. [Laughter.]

[No answer was given.]