§ Mr. AINSWORTHasked the Secretary to the Treasury, with regard to fixing licence values in Scotland, whether he will consider the fact that the amount of alcoholic liquor taken in for sale during the year by every licensed house can easily be obtained, and the licence value calculated thereon; and whether he is aware that the licensed trade of Scotland, while not objecting to find the money required by the Treasury, is unanimously of opinion that the system suggested above is much simpler and more reasonable, more equitable to the trade, and can be worked without difficulty or expense?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe points to which the hon. Member calls attention will be 1522 carefully considered before any proposals for altering the system of assessment to Licence Duty are submitted to Parliament.
§ Captain WARINGWill the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the unfairness of the present system, hurry forward a new scheme, and will it be made retrospective?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat is purely a matter for next year's Finance Bill. It certainly cannot be considered this year.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSECertainly, I think, with difficulty; I cannot answer about expense.