§ 35. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary how many off-licences 1061 there were in London in 1922 and how many of these were tied to brewers; and how many off-licences there were in the provinces in 1922 and how many of these were tied to brewers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe number of premises with Justice' off-licences in London (County and City) on 1st January, 1922, was 2,156; the number in the provinces was 19,952. I have no information as to the number which are tied to brewers.
§ 36. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, though off-licences were originally granted for the convenience of the public, there has been a great increase in the number of these licences tied to brewers, especially in London, and that as a result only the beer and stout is sold in which the owner, as distinct from the tenant, is interested; and whether facilities can be given for a private Bill to prevent further off-licences becoming tied and to facilitate the liberation of off-licences which are already tied?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe statement made in the first part of the question has not previously been brought to my notice, and I have no information on the subject. I doubt whether the Leader of the House would find it possible to comply with the request contained in the second part of the question.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWould the right hon. Gentleman be able to get information if I put a question down in, say, a week's time?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not quite sure, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will see me, I will let him know in a day or two whether it is possible to get any further information.