asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that, in reply to a deputation of London Liberal Members, he has stated that he was prepared to undertake that the Licence Duties should be revalued on the basis of the actual trade done in the houses and not on the present rateable value, he will say if the same principle will be applied to the Scotch hotels?

The question of the valuation is dealt with in Clause 30 of the Finance Bill. It is not possible to complete a revaluation of licensed premises during the current licence year, but it is intended as soon as possible to revalue all fully licensed premises (including hotels and on-beerhouses) throughout the United Kingdom, when the actual trade of each house will be taken into consideration for the purpose of arriving at the proper annual value upon which the duties on the licences are to be charged.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the term "trade," as used, only applies to beer and spirits sold, or to the general trade of the hotel?

I think only to the beer and spirits.

Will any estimate of the cost of this valuation be presented to the House?

I should like notice of that question.

May I ask whether the present valuation is to be departed from?

That will depend upon the circumstances in each case.

May I ask whether the valuation is to be made each year, or periodically, because the trade done on any particular licensed premises varies from time to time?

Yes, I think that fact will be taken into consideration.