§ Mr. LANE-FOXasked whether, as a result of the recent decision of the House of Lords in the case of the Lion Brewery Company, an advantage is given to the brewer, who is allowed to deduct from his assessment for Income Tax the amount of his contribution towards the compensation fund in the case of a tied house; whether such advantage does not apply to the; private owner of the free house; and whether the Government will take steps to remedy this difference of treatment?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe payments made by brewers to the compensation fund are deducted as a trading expense in computing their profits as brewers for assessment under Schedule D, when it is found that they hold and let the tied houses solely for the purposes of their business. A similar deduction is allowed in the case of an owner-occupier of a free house.