HC Deb 31 July 1889 vol 338 cc1803-4

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 25, Prohibition of the sale of methylated spirits on Sunday.

SIR W. LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

I should like to know what is the object of this clause?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.

The object of the clause is to meet a difficulty which has arisen in Scotland, by reason of the large sale of methylated spirit, which is sold on Sunday for other purposes than that for which the spirit is intended. It is said that, owing to Sunday closing in Scotland, the shops licensed to deal in methylated spirits are in the habit of selling these spirits for drinking purposes, and this clause will enable us to get rid of that abuse.

SIR W. LAWSON

And the object also is, I assume, to protect people to whom the methylated spirits are sold.

THE CHAIRMAN

The question is one of Revenue.

SIR W. LAWSON

But the hon. Gentleman has spoken of the great evil arising from the consumption of methylated spirits on Sunday.

MR. JACKSON

Yes; and the object of the clause is to prevent the sale for drinking purposes of methylated spirits on Sunday, and also to protect the Revenue.

SIR W. LAWSON

I think the clause ought to go a little further, and I therefore move to add the words "and any other intoxicating liquors."

THE CHAIRMAN

Order, order! If the hon. Baronet's Amendment is to protect the Revenue it would be in order, otherwise it is out of order.

SIR W. LAWSON

Under the circumstances, I will not press the Amendment.

Clause agreed to.

New Clause (Repeal of 52 and 53 Vict., c. 7, s. 18, and substitution of other provisions therefor,)—(The Attorney General,)—agreed to.

New Clause (Extension of exemption of coupons,)—(Mr. Kimber,)—agreed to.

Bill reported, as amended, to be considered to-morrow.