HC Deb 10 March 1949 vol 462 c1395
53. Mr. Warbey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what authority Customs and Excise, Northampton Collection, sent an excise licence to Messrs. Green, brewers, Luton, instead of to the licensee, Mrs. Egan, of The Sportsman, Round Green, Luton, although Mrs. Egan had herself remitted payment for the licence.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The first of the two instalments of licence duty was paid by the brewers, and the licence was issued to them on the assumption that they were acting as agents for the licensee. I understand that Mrs. Egan herself paid the second instalment, and has now got the licence.

Mr. Warbey

Is my right hon. Friend aware that I have here a letter from Mrs. Egan, dated 8th March, in which the Excise officer at Northampton has informed her he was unable to get the licence back from the brewers and suggests that she should try it herself? Is it not highly improper that one of my right hon. Friend's officers should appear to condone the action of the brewers in trying to get this woman out of her premises?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

There is a conflict between what my hon. Friend has said and the information supplied to me. I will certainly look into it, and see what I can do to help Mrs. Egan if the situation is as she has described.