HC Deb 04 February 1964 vol 688 cc955-7
10. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue he is losing in tax from licensees through the large extension of clubs, staff associations and other such bodies, who get liquor either on the premises or off materially cheaper than if they had to buy it through the normal trade channels.

Mr. Maudling

None, Sir.

Sir J. Duncan

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the time has come when he ought to look again at the provision which allows staff associations, clubs, town councils and local authorities generally to evade the ordinary provisions of the law and to get alcoholic liquor, particularly at Christmas and the New Year, much more cheaply than trade prices?

Mr. Maudling

That question goes rather beyond my responsibility. The Question put to me was concerned with the revenue and I can only say that we suffer no loss of revenue by these arrangements. Whether for other reasons they are good or bad is a question for my right hon. Friend.

11. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue he estimates he is losing from the sales of liquor by registered clubs to nonmembers.

Mr. Maudling

None, Sir.

Sir J. Duncan

What steps has my right hon. Friend taken to see that these clubs and others do not sell to non-members? Is he aware that the Customs and Excise is in close contact with the police so that cases like this can be followed up and prosecuted?

Mr. Maudling

I understand my hon. Friend's point. Once again I can answer only for the revenue and say that it does not lose by this. The enforcement of the rules about sales to non-members is a matter for my right hon. Friend, and I will call his attention to what has been said.

Sir J. Duncan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these questions were prompted by some members of the licensed trade, a very respectable body of people, whose books are checked by the Customs and Excise and who are subject to very strict licensing laws and who resent other people coming in and taking a large amount of their profit, which results in my right hon. Friend losing Income Tax which he would otherwise collect?

Mr. Maudling

I see the point. The position is that I am responsible for safeguarding the revenue white responsibility for the enforcement of the law rests with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I will call his attention to my hon. Friend's remarks.

Mr. Marsh

Would it not be illogical for the Government to interfere in this practice when their policy in respect of resale price maintenance will mean its extension?

Mr. Maudling

That seems a subtle supplementary question which hardly arises from the original Question.