§ 33. Major JESSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total number of excise licences for the sale of spirits for consumption off the premises only; and how many of these possess justices' certificates?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe number of excise spirits retail off-licences issued in 1932–33 was 8,873 in England and Wales and 2,407 in Scotland. The number of spirits retail off-licences held with justices' licences in England and Wales is about 7,300. In Scotland off-licences can only be issued on justices' licences.
§ Major JESSONIs my hon. Friend aware of the anomalous position created by the granting of the concession to sell half-bottles of spirits to those off-licensees who hold justices' certificates, while it is denied to the 8,000 off-licensees who possess excise certificates? Will he consider remedying that anomaly?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHANo, Sir. This matter was fully debated on the Finance Bill, when my right hon. Friend gave his reasons for drawing this distinction, and he informed the House that it had been made in accordance with the desire of the retail trade.