§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the mischief wrought amongst the working classes in Derry city and county by the consumption of methylated spirit; and whether, in view of the consequences proceeding therefrom, he will take steps to have restrictions placed on the sale of this article, and to warn the people of the dangers arising from its use.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The attention of the Board of Inland Revenue 6 has been directed to the practice of drinking methylated spirit in Londonderry. It is an offence under The Spirits Act, 1880, to sell such spirit as a beverage. The officers of the Inland Revenue are using their best endeavours to procure evidence which will sustain proceedings under the Act in this respect, and the police have been instructed to afford them every assistance in the matter.