HC Deb 21 December 1915 vol 77 cc181-2
14. Mr. GOLDSTONE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether evidence was tendered on behalf of the War Office to the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); and whether the evidence was of such a character that restrictions on the sale of liquor in the London area appeared to the War Office to be essential in the national interest?

The hon. Member addressed a similar question (No. 27) to the First Lord of the Admiralty.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)

Representatives of the naval and military authorities attended the local conference held on 1st October, and the Order was issued with the concurrence of the Admiralty and the Army Council.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

Can the hon. Gentleman state whether there was any retarding in the making of munitions before this Order came into operation?

Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

Would there be any objection to placing the evidence given before the Central Control Board as a Parliamentary Paper?

Dr. ADDISON

I will consider that.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

Might I ask whether, in addition to the evidence, strong representations were made by the two Departments concerned as to the necessity for this restriction?

Dr. ADDISON

I know that strong expressions of opinion were before the Board of Control.

Mr. THORNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that organised labour has protested in most emphatic language against this Order?

Dr. ADDISON

I am not aware of anything of the kind.

Mr. THORNE

I am.