HC Deb 04 August 1899 vol 75 cc1476-7
MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that both the Reports of the Licensing Commission agree in attributing an enormous monopoly value to publicans' licences under the present scale of duties; and whether he will now undertake that an inquiry shall be made during the recess with a view to determine as nearly as possible the relation between the existing duties and the actual annual value of the licences.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS-BEACH,) Bristol, W.

I have not had time as yet to study the Report referred to; but, assuming the statement of the hon. Member to be accurate, I will consider his suggestion. I must remind him, however, that the matter is one affecting local, rather than Imperial, taxation.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I shall call attention to this matter on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill.