§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant the Return relating to licensed premises and licences refused, standing on the Notice Paper this day.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) I am unable to grant this Return. The information desired under headings (1) and (2) could not be obtained: such information as is available under heading (3) has already been published in Parliamentary Returns: and it is impossible to give the estimate suggested under the heading (4) as the number of licences which could be extinguished by means of any given sum of money must depend upon the particular premises selected, and the amount of the compensation required in each ease. An, estimate of the maximum annual sum which each compensation authority might have at its disposal has already been laid before the House.
The Return referred to is as follows—
Licensed Premises and Licences Refused, —Adress for Return showing (1) the value of Licensed Premises in each licensing area; (2) the estimated value of such premises without, the licence; (3) the number of Licences Refused during the past five years on the ground of non-requirement in each licensing area; (4) the estimated maximum reduction which might be effected under the Licensing Bill in each area.