HC Deb 24 March 1965 vol 709 c542
13. Mr. Bence

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will explain the item, Annuity received from the Consolidated Fund under Acts of 43 Geo. III & 2& 3 Will. IV for the purchase and surrender of the duties of prisage and butlerage within the County Palatine, in the account of the revenue of the Duchy of Lancaster 1964.

Mr. Houghton

These Acts empowered the Treasury to contract for the purchase of the duties of prisage and butlerage of wines enjoyed, under the provisions of previous grants, by the Sovereign in right of the Duchy of Lancaster and several other persons. The annuity of £803 to the Duchy is compensation for surrender of the right to these duties.

Mr. Bence

Surely my right hon. Friend will agree that it is time this sort of compensation for losing the right to brew beer or distil spirits was taken away. The days of the shebeen have gone, and it is shocking that £803 a year should be paid as compensation for the loss of old traditions and ceremonies of hundreds of years ago. Will my right hon. Friend take steps to abolish it?

Mr. Houghton

It is not for the Chancellor of the Duchy to take anything away from the Duchy of Lancaster.