HC Deb 02 March 1921 vol 138 cc1804-6
54. Major C. LOWTHER

asked the Prime Minister whether the Liquor Control Board recently acquired a large house in Carlisle for the purpose of converting it into licensed premises; whether the Board intend spending £10,000 on new machinery at Carlisle Brewery; and whether he will intimate to whomever may be responsible the desirability of the Liquor Control Board suspending their operations in Carlisle and district pending the introduction of a Government Licensing Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first parts of the question is in the affirmative, except that the precise amount of expenditure required to carry out certain improvements at the Brewery, necessary for efficient and economical working, has not yet been determined; the answer to the third part is in the negative.

Major LOWTHER

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that he will advise that no unnecessary or great expenditure should be incurred pending the introduction of the Government Licensing Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is quite reasonable, and instructions to that effect have already been given, but to suspend it, as suggested by my hon. Friend, would have the effect for the time of Carlisle going dry.

Mr. W. THORNE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the total amount borrowed for these particular premises in Carlisle, the total amount of expenditure, and whether it is a fact that there is a credit balance due?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I answered that question and gave particulars in a written answer, I think, last week.

55. Major LOWTHER

asked the Prime Minister whether Sir Edgar Sanders has resigned his position as general manager of the Liquor Control Board's undertakings in Carlisle and district; and, if so, for what reason?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, Sir. Sir Edgar Sanders has resigned his position with the Board in order to take up a business appointment, and the Board have conveyed to him their regret at the loss of his services and their appreciation of his work in Carlisle.

Major LOWTHER

Is it a fact that the Board is now without chairman and general manager, and can the right hon.

Gentleman say who is the direct head of the Board in the absence of the chairman and the general manager?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think there is a chairman, and the general manager will be appointed immediately.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it not a fact that the chairman is an official, an assistant secretary, in the Home Office?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think so.

Sir H. CRAIK

Should the chairman of such a Board, who represents the public, have an official connection with a Government Department?