§ Mr. BERTRAM (for Mr. Buckmaster)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now prepared to state his intentions with regard to altering the principle on which the Finance Bill proposes to assess Licence Duty on grocers licences?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy right hon. Friend has, on full consideration, come to the conclusion that it will be desirable to modify his proposals, as embodied in the 19 Finance Bill, for the assessment of Licence Duty on what are commonly known as grocers' licences. He is in communication with representatives of the holders of these licences in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and hopes to be able to propose a scheme which will be accepted by the general body of traders in the three countries.
§ Mr. BERTRAMWould the right hon. Gentleman refer to the word "now" in the question? The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been in sufficient communication with the representatives of the licensees, and he ought to be able to state definitely his intentions.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEHe hopes to do so at the earliest possible moment.