HC Deb 06 May 1909 vol 4 cc1195-6
Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the number of existing free licensed houses in the urban and rural districts in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, respectively, with a population under 2,000 that will, under the new financial proposals, pay the minimum licence duty of £5, under 5,000 that will pay £10, under 10,000 that will pay £15, under 50,000 that will pay £20, under 100,000 that will pay £30, and over 100,000 that will pay £35?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

No precise information is available as to the number of free houses as distinct from tied in the United Kingdom.

Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, having regard to the fact that the new financial proposals will press very hard on licence-holders in Ireland, and, further, to the fact that the law with regard to compensation for the extinction of licences does not operate in that country, he will consider whether the proposals can be modified?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman.