HC Deb 29 August 1895 vol 36 cc1145-6
MR. J. McKILLOP (Stirlingshire)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he will agree to the Motion for a Return relating to cases of madness attributable to the use of adulterated spirits, which stands on this day's Paper?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. JESSE COLLINGS,) Birmingham, Bordesley

I am afraid it will not be possible to obtain the information which the hon. Member desires, but I will consult the Lunacy Commissioners.

MR. McKILLOP

asked whether there was anything in the Report?

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

In the Report of the Lunacy Commissioners for the present year, the hon. Member will find a Return of the cases of insanity caused by intemperance generally. The hon. Gentleman will find other information bearing on insanity and intemperance in their Report.

MR. McKILLOP

asked whether it was not a fact that the Committee which sat on the question in 1891–2, had before them a large number of samples of spirits collected from public-houses and other places, and that the examination failed to find a single case of adulteration, except that some were weaker and some stronger?

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

That has no bearing on the question of the hon. Member.