§ 32. Mr. COWANasked the Prime Minister whether he will now consider the advisability of taking steps to bring about the prohibition of spirits during the continuance of the War?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)the Government hope that the powers 76 conferred by the Defence of the Realm Act (No. 3) and the Immature Spirits (Restriction) Act will be adequate to meet the situation.
§ Mr. COWANWill the Prime Minister saw whether his attention has been called to the speech delivered by the late Chancellor of the Exchequer at Bangor in March last on the lure of drink, and will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the conditions are so different now that he considers it unnecessary to protect the workmen in the munitions factories against a specific danger?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe think the powers we have are sufficient.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the severe administration of the Immature Spirits Act has already brought great dissatisfaction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.