§ COLONEL STUART KNOXasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the great increase of intoxication in the Northwest of Ireland, caused by the use of ether and of a mixture of naptha and ether, sold by chemists and grocers, and, if so, if he is prepared to take steps to put a stop to the abuse, and deter parties who turn their establishments into dram shops?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, in reply, that the attention of the Irish Government had not been called to that matter lately, but as long ago as 1868 its attention was directed to it by a presentment of the Grand Jury of the county of Tyrone, forwarded by Mr. Justice George. The Government then made a full inquiry into the subject, and ascertained that the practice of using ether as a stimulant instead of ordinary spirits was confined to the North of Ireland, and principally to the counties of Tyrone and Londonderry, where ether was taken in enormous quantities, not as an addition to whiskey, or any other spirit, to strengthen it, but merely diluted with water as a stimulant, instead of ordinary spirits. Thereupon the Irish Government communicated with the Board of Inland Revenue as to whether any measures should be taken for checking that practice. The Board of Inland Revenue reported that in the existing state of the law they could not interfere. The subject appeared to have been further considered by the Government; but, looking to the fact that the practice was almost confined to the two counties he had named, and that ether was very largely used for medicinal and many other legitimate purposes, and that the people who used it as a stimulant could use other stimulants which would be 1025 quite as injurious, it was not then thought necessary to take any farther step in the matter. At present an inquiry was, however, being conducted under the direction of the Irish Government into the alleged adulteration of whiskey in many parts of Ireland. As soon as the Reports on that subject were received they would be considered by the Government, who would also take the opportunity of considering the question to which the hon. and gallant Member had referred.