HC Deb 19 March 1925 vol 181 cc2446-7
10. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given his approval for the expenditure of any sums of public money in rebuilding and making alterations to public-houses in Carlisle; what is the total amount involved; and what are the special circumstances which render it necessary for such expenditure of public funds to be incurred in that city?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not take the view that special circumstances must be shown in order to justify the schemes of rebuilding and alteration which, with my approval, are being considered or carried out* in Carlisle at the present time. The progressive improvement of public-houses is an essential element in the general policy of the undertaking, and provision for the expenditure involved is made from year to year in the Estimates.

Sir A. HOLBROOK

In all these alterations to houses in Carlisle is provision made for women's baths which are always crowded?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have not the details of the alterations. The whole question can be raised on the Home Office Estimates.

Mr. DALTON

Is not the cost of these repairs more than covered by the large profits at present being made by the sale of drink in Carlisle?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am afraid that I cannot say.

Sir A. HOLBROOK

Was not that profit subject to—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for debate.