§ MR. FETHERSTONHAUGHTo ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in Ireland, except the City of Belfast under a recent revaluation, the value of the licence has never been taken into account in the valuation of licensed premises; that a number of public-houses are therefore inadequately valued and pay licence duty on a very low scale, particularly in country places, and will he consider the advisability of materially increasing the licence duty, especially on premises valued under £10, as a means of reducing the number of low class public-houses; and is he aware that a large proportion of Irish licensed houses are valued under £10 and so only pay £4 10s. per annum for a full seven-days on-licence, or £3 17s. 1d. for a six-days on-licence.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The matter to which the hon. Member draws my attention will not fail to receive my careful consideration at the proper time.