§ Mr. STAVELEY-HILLasked the Prime Minister whether he has given any pledge that, immediately after the Parliament Bill has become law, he will introduce and pass through the House of Commons a Licensing Bill identical in character with that of the measure which failed to become law in 1908?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)No, Sir; I have given no such pledge, but I have frequently expressed my sense of the urgency of this matter, and I hope that legislation on the lines of the Licensing Bill referred to will follow without undue delay the passing of the Parliament Bill into law.
§ Mr. W. PEELDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that after the passing of the Budget of 1909 a measure on the lines of the Licensing Bill of 1908 is as urgent as it then was?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it is still urgent.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYIf this Bill is passed will the Government reduce the licences?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is a hypothetical question.