HC Deb 05 August 1912 vol 41 cc2847-9

The provisions in the First Schedule of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, relating to the option as to Licence Duty contained in Head 3 of the provisions applicable to retailers' on-licences, shall be read as if the following words were added at the end of Head 3: "The power to obtain a licence on payment of a reduced amount of duty in the case of a six-day licence and in the case of an early-closing licence shall apply with regard to the minimum duties in above provision."

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause be read a second time."

Sir G. YOUNGER

I beg to move this Clause.

This is a very important Clause, as the Act makes the Scottish publican who only opens on six days a week pay exactly as much as the English publican who opens on seven days.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Will the hon. Baronet move it in a different form?

Sir G. YOUNGER

I will move it, then, in this form:—

The following paragraph shall be added to Provision 3 of the Provisions applicable to retailers' on-licences in the First Schedule to the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. The power to obtain a licence on payment of a reduced amount of duty in the case of a six-day licence or an early-closing licence shall apply to any case in which the minimum duty is payable under this Provision, but the reduction shall not operate so as to make the duty payable less than one-third of the annual licence value of the premises.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Clause be read a second time."

Mr. WEDGWOOD

May we have from the Government some statement as to this Clause?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Really, if my hon. Friend had taken the trouble to read the margin he would have seen that the Clause proposes the reduction of duty in the case of Sunday and early-closing licences.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

I know that, but I want to know what it will cost the public.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I cannot give the exact figure, but it is a small matter, certainly under £10,000.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

We have a right to know that.