HC Deb 21 February 1912 vol 34 cc606-7
Mr. HARRY LAWSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the public houses and beerhouses of the city and county of London contributed to the Revenue by way of increase over £530,000 for the year ending 30th Septembr, 1910, and £435,000 for the year ending 30th September, 1911; whether that contribution amounts, approximately, to one-third of the total revenue from that source; whether, before 1909, the sum amounted to £195,000, or, approximately, one-ninth of the total revenue; whether, on the basis of population, the share of London would be about one-tenth of the total; whether the consumption of alcoholic liquor per head of the population is greater in London than elsewhere, and, if not, why the people of London are specially penalised by this tax; and whether it is intended in any way to relieve them?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

The figures given in the first paragraph of the question as representing the increase in Liquor Licence Duty in respect of public-houses and beerhouses in London under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, are substantially correct, though the figures for the year ended 30th September, 1911, are still subject to some adjustment. It is not clear from the wording of the second paragraph what is the exact comparison which the hon. Member has in mind. But I may state that the Licence Duty on public-houses and beerhouses in London amounted before the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to one-ninth of the total revenue from that source in the United Kingdom, and for the year ended 30th September, 1910, to approximately one-fifth of such total revenue. For the year ended 30th September, 1911, so far as can be judged, the proportion will be something over one-sixth. The general question raised by the hon. Member is, I am afraid, too large to be dealt with within the compass of an answer to a question. The large proportion of revenue derived from London is, of course, due entirely to the high rateable value of London property.

Mr. HARRY LAWSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose in any way to redress the balance?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman was present during the Debate we had on this very subject a few weeks ago. I do not know that I can add very much to what I then said, but I am in general sympathy with the object he has in view.