§ 105. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that William Towle, a member of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), was formerly manager of the Midland Railway Company hotels, and that this 895 gentleman has two sons both of whom are managing Midland Railway Company hotels; whether the profits of the hotels of the Midland Railway Company, which are directly managed by the companies, are guaranteed by the Government on a basis of the earnings of 1913; and, if so, whether he is prepared to place all licensed property in scheduled areas on a similar footing or reduce the Midland Railway Company's hotels to the same position as that occupied by other hotels and licensed properties?
§ Dr. ADDISONI can see no point in my hon. Friend's question unless he wishes to suggest that preferential treatment is being extended to the Midland Railway Company because Mr. Towle, who was formerly manager of their hotels, is giving the Government the benefit of his services as a member of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic). I am sorry that my hon. Friend should even appear to countenance so baseless and, I may add, so unworthy a suggestion.
§ 106. Mr. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he can state the total expenditure of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) for all purposes from its inception to the 31st January, 1916; and when a detailed financial report on its operations may be expected?
§ Dr. ADDISONAn account of the expenditure of the Board to the 31st March, 1916, will be furnished to the Treasury in due course for incorporation, in such manner as the Treasury may decide, in the Appropriation Account of the Vote of Credit, 1915-16. It would serve no useful purpose to call for statements of expenditure for broken periods.