§ 25. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the large increase in the number of bottle shops, which trade under excise licences without control of the licensing benches; and whether, in view of the injury inflicted by these bottle shops on the holders of justices' licences, who pay high licence duty and are subject to magisterial control, he will introduce legislation to remedy this social evil?
§ Sir S. HoareI am aware that there has been an increase in the number of excise licences to which my hon. Friend refers. As he is no doubt aware, the Royal Commission on Licensing recommended that the normal requirement of the consent of the justices should be applied to these licences, and the point has been noted for consideration when amending legislation is undertaken. I may perhaps add that I understand that the holders of these licences do not obtain any advantage in the matter of licence duty, as compared with the holders of justices' off-licences.
§ Sir P. HannonWould my right hon. Friend make inquiries as to the extent to which this evil is growing in this country? If I put a question down after the Recess, will he be able to give me some particulars?
§ Sir S. HoareI have some figures now, and shall be glad to send them to my hon. Friend.