HC Deb 06 March 1896 vol 38 c368
SIR JOHN LENG

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether the Licensing Laws in Scotland will be included in the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on the Liquor Traffic?

SIR T. LEA (Londonderry, S.)

also asked whether the terms of reference would include Ireland.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

There will be no restriction in the terms of reference to the Commission. Parties from all parts of the Kingdom will be heard.

SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

Does the right hon. Gentleman know how many Royal Commissions have inquired into the Licensing Laws during the past generation?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I have no information on that point. [Laughter.]

SIR W. LAWSON

Or can the right hon. Gentleman say how many may sit in the future?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I have no powers of prophecy. [Laughter.]