§ Mr. HOUSTONasked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state the number of inebriates at present (or from his latest Returns, and the dates thereof) resident in homes, reformatories, or other establishments provided for their accommoda- 41 tion in England and Wales, in Scotland, and in Ireland separately; and the number of children, of ten years of age and under, whose fathers or mothers have been certified as inebriates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLFrom inquiries that have been made it appears that in England and Wales the number of persons now detained in inebriate reformatories and in licensed retreats for inebriates is 1.297. According to the statements made by these persons, they have 447 living children of ten years of age and under. In Scotland there are 78 persons in institutions of this nature, but the number of children is not stated. In Ireland the number of persons detained is 118, and the number of children of these persons, of ten years and under, is 57. I have no information respecting persons in homes which are not licensed, nor as to the number of children of inebriates in general. No persons are "certified" as inebriates.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIn view of the very serious nature of this question will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to get the information?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIt would mean an amendment of the law.