HC Deb 05 June 1930 vol 239 cc2363-4
35. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

asked the Home Secretary whether, before the issue and consideration of the report of the Licensing Commission, he can, in anticipation of the 1931 tourist season, make an interim statement about the policy of differentiation of licensing charges in so far as they affect hotels as distinguished from restaurants and bars, in view of the fact that the present basis of licence-charge assessments is holding up the building of additional hotels needed for the development of the Come-to-Britain movement?

Mr. CLYNES

I am afraid that I can make no such statement.

Mr. SAMUEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if there is no interim statement made there will be a delay of one year, during which time this country will lose its full share of the very valuable tourist traffic?

Mr. CLYNES

I cannot anticipate or interfere with the decisions of the Licensing Commission.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the present state of the licensing law high-class West End hotels are on the same basis as public houses?

Forward to