§ MR. MOND (Chester)To ask the-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the statements in the Report of the inspector under the Inebriates Acts 1879 to 1900 [Cd. 3246], as to the use-less ness and inhumanity of prison treatment for habitual drunkards; and whether, at an early date, he can see his way to introduce legislation to institute a more scientific and humane treatment of habitual drunkards than the present system.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I have had this Report under my consideration, and I am now in communication with the various stipendary and police magistrates on the subject of the treatment of inebriates who come before the Courts. The striking number of inebriates who exhibit mental defect brings this class of persons under the consideration of the Royal Commission 929 on the Feeble-minded, and I think that any question of legislation must be postponed until after the Report of that Commission has been received.