§ 51. Mr. JOHNasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that the continuance of warlike operations for twelve months will involve the State in an expenditure, exceeding £600,000,000, and that the national expenditure upon intoxicants amounts to £150,000,000 per annum, and failing an agreed Bill dealing with licensing restrictions, he will, before the adjournment, indicate to the House the nature of the proposals of the Government so that the country may accurately allocate responsibility for their failure; and whether, under such circumstances, the Government will administratively take measures to amend licensing conditions in Scotland and Wales?
§ 53. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he contemplates taking any further powers to deal with the liquor traffic than are at present given by the Defence of the Realm Act?
§ The PRIME MINISTERFurther legislation would be required to extend the present regulations, which go as far as the Defence of the Realm Acts allow. The existing powers conferred on the naval and military authorities by the Acts have, however, not yet been fully exercised. Referring to the last part of Question 51, I can only say that the whole subject is receiving most careful consideration of the Government.
§ Mr. HOGGEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman's colleague the Chancellor of the Exchequer was referring at Bangor 1397 simply to the powers under the Defence of the Realm Act and not to any further legislation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy right hon. Friend says "Yes."