HC Deb 14 July 1910 vol 19 c620
Mr. WHELER

asked the Chancellor whether he proposes to remit the 30 per cent. Licence Duty imposed under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on licensed houses valued at over £50 in Dublin; and, if so, whether he proposes to grant a remission to licensed houses of similar value in Great Britain?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand the question should read 20 per cent. instead of 30 per cent. in the second line. I do not know what particular charge of Licence Duty is meant by the "20 per cent. Licence Duty" mentioned in this question, but I may say that there has not been any remission of duty in respect of licensed houses in Dublin, and the answer to the question is in the negative.

Mr. W. PEARCE

Considering the special circumstances of London, and the extraordinarily high assessments, will the right hon. Gentleman extend the mitigation, which is given to Ireland, to London?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I understand the question of the London assessment of public-houses is sub judice at the present moment, and I should not like to express any opinion. I believe there are appeals in several of those cases.

Mr. G. YOUNGER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the remission of Licence Duty on those Irish houses will not be granted by way of a reduction on the annual rental basis on which they are at present assessed for duty?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The hon. Member has a question later on that point, and I shall hand in the answer.