MR. HERBERT ROBERTS (Denbighshire, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that representations have been made to the Government of Bombay deploring the growth of the drinking habits of the people, and urging the passing of legislation prohibiting the employment of women in drinking bars; and whether, in view of these representations, the Government of Bombay are now prepared to introduce legislation in order to make the, law in this respect uniform with that in force in Bengal and Burma.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, GuildfordI am aware that a resolution on the subject was passed by a Temperance Congress held in Bombay at the end of last year, and was submitted to the Government of Bombay. I have ascertained that that Government see no reason to alter their view; that the necessary control can be exercised by refusing licences, and that specific prohibition by law is unnecessary.