HC Deb 09 September 1909 vol 10 cc1474-6
Mr. LEVERTON HARRIS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he suggested to the English off-licence holders-that they should meet the representatives-of the Scotch and Irish off-licence holders and should draw up and submit to him a uniform scheme for the three countries; whether this scheme recommended the sale of spirits in small bottles in England as well as in Scotland and Ireland; whether any intimation was given by a responsible permanent official that this part of the scheme had met with the approval of the Cabinet and would be embodied in an Amendment; and, if so, why this Amendment has now been withdrawn?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

After the publication of the Finance Bill I received numerous representations, both by deputations and correspondence, on behalf of the off-licence holders in England, Scotland and Ireland, asking me to modify my proposals in various respects. As there was considerable divergence of opinion between the various parties interested, I suggested that I should be in a better position to deal with the question if the representatives of these licence holders could, after consultation, lay before me for my consideration a statement of the modifications which would be regarded as acceptable by the licence holders in all parts of the United Kingdom. To assist them in their deliberations I placed at their disposal the services of the permanent official who is responsible for the administration of Excise licences, and that official reported to me the result of the consultations. He gave no intimation to any of the persons interested that any of the suggested modifications had been accepted by the Government or would be embodied in an Amendment.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

If the Amendment was placed on the Paper by mistake was it without the knowledge of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and if not, by whom was the mistake made?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I accept full responsibility for whatever inadvertence there was in the matter. There was undoubtedly a mistake. I did not know it was on the Paper, and the first intimation I had was when I saw a report in a paper. I can only say it was not due to any inadvertence of the draftsman. It was suggested that he was responsible, and I think I ought to say that.

Mr. LEVERTON HARRIS

I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no intimation was given by a responsible official that the Government favoured the scheme?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

No. I am assured no intimation at all was given that the Government would accept. I am certain that no official would do that with- out an intimation to a representative of the Government.

Mr. G. D. FABER (York)

How did it get on the Paper?

Mr. MOORE

Was the Amendment which appeared on the Paper submitted to persons representing trade interests?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

No.

Mr. G. D. FABER

Is the Bill now in its final shape as regards the quart bottle? Are there to be any further "inadvertent" Amendments?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

Everything depends on the discussion in the House of Commons. I do not know whether the hon. Member means to suggest that the Government have made up their minds not to accept any Amendment, whatever the drift of the Debate may be.