§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet come to any conclusion on the future of the Carlisle and District State Management Scheme.
§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the future of the Carlisle and District State Management Scheme, in view of the need to remove uncertainty among the general public and employees.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have been considering the future of the Scheme in the course of the general review of the functions of central Government. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has also been considering the future of State Management in Scotland.
Both he and I have decided that there is no longer sufficient social or economic justification for the continuance of State Management of the liquor trade. Return on capital employed is low in view of the restrictions under which the Scheme operates; and there would be a need for further substantial investment of public funds if the present Scheme were to continue. I accordingly propose to wind up the activities of the Carlisle and District State Management Scheme. Legislation for this purpose will be introduced shortly.
Members of the Local Advisory Committee are being told of my decision, and assured that full account will be taken of local views on the manner of its implementation.
I recognise that this decision will cause concern among the staff, and I have their 273W interests very much in mind. There will be full consultation with their representatives.