THE IMPERIAL BUDGET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2499, 12 May 1909, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL BUDGET.

CABLE NEWS.

THE TAXATION OF DRINKS.

ME LLOYD-GEOR«E INTERVIEWED

United Press Association—Copyright

LONDON, May 10.

Hotel proprietors are y protesting against the enormous licenses, and are urging the taxation of. drinks at 4£d in the £l. A similar method ’is proposed for clubs, which suggests 3d in the s-i.

Mr L’oyd-George, interviewed by a representative of the “Daily Mail,” said that the calculations wore greatly, exaggerated. He did not desire to strangle respectable hotels, ,; hut ho urges the public to await details of the Finance Bill.

GOVERNMENT ATTEMPT TO STIFLE DISCUSSION.

THE BUDGET UNDERGOING MODIFICATION.

United Press Association— Copyright (Received May 11, 11.12 p.ni.)

LONDON, May 11

The House of Commons discussed a liquor resolution covering forty excise duties. There was animated discussion on the lines of public criticism. The Opposition warmly resented the Government’s attempts at closure of the debate.

Mr. Lloyd-George announced that he was considering a new scheme of hotel and grocers’ licenses. Defending the brewers’ licenses, lie stated that they would be henceforth 2fd per barrel of 76 gallons, whereas the brewers’ profits were £lO 14s per barrel. The “Times” says that the Budget is undergoing considerable modification, as the result of criticism since its introduction, and that the Cabinet has reconsidered the diversion of the old sinking fund to a development fund. Some Ministers oppose. the establishment of an ad hoc authority, and prefer the sums to bo voted to the Board of Agriculture, Local Government Board, and Board of Trade, which have staffs capable of administering the grants.