HC Deb 16 June 1925 vol 185 cc473-4

The duties chargeable on the following excise liquor licences, that is to say, retailers' on-licences for spirits, beer or wine, retailers' off-licences for spirits, beer or wine, so far as regards licensed premises situate in a parish or district with less than two thousand inhabitants, shall be reduced by fifty per cent.—[Colonel Sir Arthur Holbrook.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."

I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give sympathetic attention to this Clause. I would point out that the small innkeepers in the small country districts have to pay licences—[Interruption.] I would point out to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that many of these licence holders are small ex-Service men who have put their all into these houses. [Interruption.] I am willing to withdraw the Clause.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I cannot undertake to remodel the Licence Duties during the course of the present financial year, but I will give careful consideration to the matter from the point of view from which my hon. and gallant Friend is interested. I shall certainly be bound to consider the question of licences in the future, and this is a point which must then be taken into consideration. I trust my hon. and gallant Friend will avail himself of his regular Parliamentary opportunities then.

Sir A. HOLBROOK

In view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement, I beg leave to withdraw the Motion.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn

Mr. MAXTON

In accordance with the agreement come to, and broken by the hon. Members opposite, I do not propose to move an Amendment in my name, although I would like the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give it very serious consideration. I am quite sure that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury will forgive me if I allow myself the luxury of a gibe. It is very difficult to keep these agreements.

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I beg to move, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."

In making this Motion, I would like to thank the Committee for the spirit in which they have conducted the proceedings.

Question put, and agreed to.

Committee report Progress, to sit again To-morrow.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being half-past Eleven of the Clock upon Tuesday evening, Mr. Deputy-Speaker adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at One Minute before-One o'Clock a.m.