HC Deb 18 October 1916 vol 86 cc545-6
47. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Prime Minister if he can see his way to granting facilities for a discussion of the Motion standing in the names of the hon. Member for East Leeds and several other hon. Members with regard to the operations of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic)? ["That, in the opinion of this House, the operations of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) being extensive in scope, involving the introduction of measures of a novel and controversial character for dealing with the liquor trade, and using public moneys for that purpose, the activities of the Board should be controlled and governed by a Minister responsible to Parliament."]

The PRIME MINISTER

If there is a general desire for a discussion of this subject, the Government will certainly give facilities for it.

80. Major NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can give any account of the more recent activities of the Liquor Control Board, and whether its operations have been or are about to be extended to other areas on the method adopted in the Gretna and Carlisle area?

The PARLIAMENTARY (MILITARY) SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Primrose)

Since the publication of the Second Report of the Liquor Control Board no general official Report has been made on the work of the Board, but it is proposed to publish a further Report without undue delay, and I shall be ready at any time to give the hon. Member any information on the subject which is available. The system of direct control on the method adopted in the Gretna and Carlisle area has not recently been extended to other areas, and, as stated on 26th June, any such extension would depend upon local requirements and acquired experience.

89. Mr. PARTINGTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether compensation is being paid, and, if so, upon what basis, in respect of licensed property taken compulsorily under the powers possessed by the Liquor Control Board?

Mr. PRIMROSE

Compensation is being paid, and as was stated on 21st March in answer to a question by the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire, the amount of compensation is assessed by the Defence of the Realm Losses Royal Commission.