HC Deb 02 May 1922 vol 153 cc1153-4
27. Colonel Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the Home Secretary if he will state, in connection with the State management districts, the total amount actually paid into the Exchequer up to the 31st of March, 1922, in replacement of capital cost; the total amount of interest actually paid into the Exchequer in respect of Exchequer advances up to the 31st March, 1922; and the amount still outstanding in respect of compensation on account of licensed properties acquired by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic)?

Mr. SHORTT

The total amount paid into the Exchequer up to the 31st March, 1922, in connection with the State management districts, was £477,102 6s. 7d., but none of the actual payments which together made up this total were earmarked as being so much for replacement of capital cost or initial advances, and so much for interest. In reply to the last part of the question, the capital liability in respect of properties which have been acquired, but for which the compensation has not yet been paid, is approximately £18,000.

31. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government have under consideration the question of extending the liquor control experiment which is in force at Carlisle; and whether, in view of the strong condemnation by the Geddes Committee of the Carlisle arrangements on financial and other grounds, he will appoint a Committee to conduct an impartial inquiry into the matter?

Mr. SHORTT

The question of extending the Carlisle system to other districts is not at the present moment under the consideration of the Government, and I do not find in the Report of the Geddes Committee any condemnation, strong or otherwise, of the Carlisle arrangements, or any ground for the appointment of a Committee to inquire into them.

Sir F. HALL

Has the result of these operations been a financial success?

Mr. SHORTT

Yes, I think it has been. That we shall be able to deal with in debate.

Sir F. HALL

Before arriving at that surplus, has interest been charged on capital and Income Tax and Corporation Profits Tax been paid, the same as in a private concern?

Mr. SHORTT

I have explained over and over again that the surplus money is paid into the Treasury and we do not go into the question.

Sir F. HALL

Then it is impossible to find out whether it is a success or not.

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise.