HC Deb 30 October 1912 vol 43 cc435-6
13. Mr. HARMOOD-BANNER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will include in the financial provisions of the Inebriates Bill a Clause to impose upon the Treasury the payment of con- tributions for persons detained in reformatories, to meet the cost incurred upon local authorities by the new compulsory provisions to largely increase the number of persons to be sent to the inebriate institutions?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

If the hon. Member will look at Clause 32 of the Inebriates Bill, he will see that provision is made for the Treasury to contribute towards the expenses of persons committed to certified inebriate reformatories. The Treasury will make a Grant—as under the existing law—in respect of each person committed by the Courts. I must, however, guard myself from accepting the suggestion that the Bill will largely increase the number in detention. Some of its provisions will have an opposite effect.

Mr. HARMOOD-BANNER

Is it not left entirely to the discretion of the Treasury? It is not compulsory.

Mr. McKENNA

I think the ordinary practice will be followed under this Bill as under similar Bills.