§ 40. Major KELLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government are still purchasing licensed property in the Cumberland district; and, if so, whether, in view of present conditions, he will put a stop to the use of the nation's money for that purpose?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I have been asked to reply. No recent acquisitions of licensed property have been made in the Cumberland district.
§ 52. Major WILLIAM MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the profits made by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) during the period 1st April, 1918, to 31st March, 1921, have paid interest on the capital provided by the Treasury, and also Excess Profits Duty and Income Tax; whether such payments will be made for the current financial year; and whether it is intended to acquire by purchase further premises in the Carlisle area in order to complete the scheme of State control?
§ Mr. SHORTTInterest has been and will be charged out of profits on the capital provided by the Treasury, but as regards Excess Profits Duty and Income Tax, and as to the question of further acquisitions, I would refer the hon. and 2362 gallant Member to my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Basingstoke of the 8th instant.
§ Major CHRISTOPHER LOWTHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Central Control Board are spending considerable sums of money on premises which they have already acquired quite contrary to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee?
Sir J. D. REESIs there any independent audit of these accounts on behalf of the taxpayer to see that every debitable item is debited?
§ Mr. SHORTTI do not quite follow the second supplementary question; as to the first, I do not think that any money is being spent contrary to the recommendations of the Geddes Committee.
§ Major C. LOWTHERI will send the right hon. Gentleman a list.