§ Mr. BIRDasked the Prime Minister what compensation the Government propose to give those holders of licences whose houses will be closed owing to the imposition of the new Licensing Duties of the Budget, and who consequently will be deprived of the means of livelihood for themselves and their families?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)I do not believe that any houses will be closed in consequence of the new Licence Duties, except those which, in the interests both of the public and of the licensee, should have been closed long ago and have been kept alive solely for purposes of obtaining compensation.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEAre we to understand that the members of the licensed trade are to be treated worse than the slave-owners were in 1837?
§ Mr. BIRDWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the case of those holders of licences who have been compelled to pay to the Compensation Fund since 1904, and who, in the event of their houses being closed in consequence of the enormous increase of the Licence Duties, will lose the entire amount they contributed to the Compensation Fund?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat is a question which the hon. Member might put down. I do not think any house will be closed except houses which are kept open —and there are many of them—purely for the purposes of obtaining compensation, but which ought to have been closed long ago.
§ Mr. GRETTONIf such cases as those mentioned in the question are brought to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman, will he give them consideration?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs the hon. Member knows, I am ready to give consideration to any cases brought to my notice, and if such cases are brought before me I will give attention to them.
§ Mr. BIRDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the opinion expressed by the Postmaster-General on this subject, in which he said: "I do not deny—"