§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of his repeated declarations that reduction in licences should be accompanied by compensation, his attention has been directed to the action of the magistrates in Scotland, and especially in Glasgow, at the recent licensing courts, in putting into force a policy of confiscation of licences against which there has been no police or other complaint, the holders of which will not have the benefits of the compensation proposals advocated in the declarations referred to; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
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§ Mr. UREMy attention has been directed to the action of the magistrates in Scotland referred to in the hon. Member's question. The magistrates appear to have been acting entirely within their statutory powers; and their action cannot, in my judgment, be characterised as confiscatory. I have never at any time declared that reduction of licences by the magistrates acting in the performance of their statutory duty should be accompanied by compensation. I have, on the contrary, frequently declared that no compensation was due, or should be paid, under such circumstances.