HC Deb 15 June 1915 vol 72 cc537-8
48. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister why the only Members of this House on the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) are Labour Members; and why no Scottish Members have been selected, particularly in view of the large munition areas in that country?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Members of the Board were chosen, not as representative of nations, but for their experience and knowledge of the problems with which the Board have to deal.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware there are certain Scottish Members in this House who have longer and more wide experience of the temperance problem than those who are on the Committee, and can he say why none of those were given an opportunity of serving on the Committee, although they desired to do so, and are doing nothing else in connection with the War?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is not purely a question of numbers, but of getting people who have the best technical knowledge of the whole subject.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what particular knowledge the three Members who are on the Committee possess over the other Members of this House?

The PRIME MINISTER

That would be a very invidious and delicate question to answer.