Sir HERBERT ROBERTSasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that intoxicating liquors continue to be sold to children under fourteen years of age in certain shops in the Bombay Presidency; whether he can state the number of shops in which such sale is permitted; and whether, in view of the fact that the Excise Committee of 1905–6 reported adversely to this practice, the Secretary of State will suggest to the Government of Bombay the desirability of prohibiting by legislation the sale of liquor to children in all cases without waiting for the expiration of particular licences?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Montagu)The Secretary of State has been in communication with the Government of Bombay on the subject, and is informed that there are now no shop licences in Bombay City or in the districts of the Presidency which permit sale of liquor to children under fourteen. In all retail licences now existing a prohibitory clause has been introduced.