§ 49. Mr. O'GRADY'asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a protest against the Orders of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) applying to the West Riding of Yorkshire, stating that the Orders imposed by the Board were against the weight of evidence as to the making of munitions being delayed through workmen drinking, and requesting that the case of the West Riding should be submitted to the arbitration of an impartial tribunal; and, if so, whether any steps will be taken to meet the request for arbitration?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)My right hon. Friend has not received the protest and request referred to by my hon. Friend. I am informed that convictions for drunkenness show a remark- 463 able decrease since the Order came into operation, and that in other respects the Order is having the beneficial results which have been generally observed in other areas. My right hon. Friend does not think it necessary to take the steps suggested.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the evidence of the Chief Constable of Leeds in particular and the Watch Committee of Leeds is quite contrary to his own statement just now made?
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Constable of Leeds and the Watch Committee of Leeds tendered evidence at an inquiry held at Leeds by the Board of Control in favour of the regulations which were afterwards imposed?
§ Dr. ADDISONI understand that is the case.
§ Mr. O'GRADYIs there any objection to submitting this case to a Court of Arbitration? Surely one side or the other is right or wrong.
§ Dr ADDISONI do not understand the hon. Member. I have not heard the other side yet.
§ Mr. BOOTHWill the hon. Gentleman explain why this was extended to Pontefract and Nottingham? Is he aware that there is no necessity at all for this meddlesome legislation in my Constituency?