HC Deb 28 June 1915 vol 72 c1451
36. Mr. COWAN

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes to take steps to accelerate the operations of the Central Board of Control for the Liquor Traffic, in view of the necessity for increasing the output of munitions?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) are fully aware of the need of prompt action.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the members of this Committee are devoting all their time to this work, or are they only supervising it; and, if so, who is doing the work?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

From investigations I have made I think they are working very hard. Their labour involves the examination of conditions in the various towns, and they are proceeding through these towns consecutively. I am sure they are working very hard.

Mr. HOGGE

What I mean is: Are the actual members of the Committee doing the work themselves, or supervising it, and if they are supervising it who actually is doing the work? Are there any officials connected with the Board of Control who are doing the actual work?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I know that the Chairman is devoting the whole of his time to the matter, and he is a very able official. I have the pleasure of knowing some members of the Committee, and I know they are devoting the whole of their time to the work.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Committee has met no less than nine times in eight days?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am not at all surprised to hear that, from what I have been told as to the way they have gone about the business.