17. Mr. PERCY HARRISasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to introduce a Clause in the Finance Bill to provide the relief from Spirit Duty promised to hospitals; if not, will he bring it in as a Vote in Supply; and whether, if the latter course is pursued, there will be any delay in the receipt of this relief by the hospitals?
§ Mr. McKENNAI propose to submit to the House a Vote in Supply at the earliest suitable opportunity.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman not see the propriety of basing the amount granted to hospitals on the number of patients treated rather than as a rebate on the amount of alcoholic consumption?
§ Mr. McKENNAWe proceed on a different principle based on past expenditure.