HC Deb 20 February 1911 vol 21 c1526
Mr. MOONEY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Return showing certain details as regards licensed premises in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 408, of Session 1902), ordered by the House of Commons, on the 19th October, 1909, on the motion of the hon. Member for Newry, has not yet been printed; whether he is aware that Parliamentary Paper, No. 408, of Session 1902, was ordered by the House of Commons on the 18th March, 1902, and was printed on the 18th December, 1902; and whether, in view of the fact that the Return ordered on the 19th October, 1909, was for particulars identical with those contained in the Return ordered in March, 1902, he will explain why this Return has not been made, though a period of a year and five months has elapsed since it was ordered by the House of Commons?

Mr HOBHOUSE

The facts are as stated in the question. The preparation of the Return has been delayed by the large amount of extra work which has been thrown upon the Customs and Excise Department in connection with recent financial legislation during the last year and a half, and which still continues. I can only express my regret for the delay—which has in the circumstances been unavoidable—and assure the hon. Member that the issue of the Return will be expedited as far as possible.

Mr. MOONEY

Can the right, hon. Gentleman give us any date as to when these Returns are likely to be issued? It is most desirable to have them before the Budget.

Mr HOBHOUSE

No; I do not think so. It is a very expensive Return. Although there is some material available from previous Returns, yet the expenditure of a great deal of time and labour is entailed in collecting the information, and I cannot promise it at any definite date.