§ 40. Mr. LEIF JONESasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received any report as to the result of the operations of the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic)?
§ The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)No formal report has been made to me by the Board of Control, but reports have been received from some of the main contractors to the Admiralty. Whilst a number of these contractors report that the time is too short for any useful conclusion to be formed, the replies from all the firms on the Tyne are to the effect that the result of the restrictions has been satisfactory. It is reported from another very important district that the results have been very satisfactory, and that the prohibition of treating in particular has had a decidedly beneficial effect and is appreciated by the men for the reason that it leads to a less expenditure of money. A small number of firms report that no effect has been noticed.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESDoes my right hon. Friend not think the time has come when we might obtain a report from the Board of Control, and have Papers laid on the Table relating to this matter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEYes, I think they might issue a provisional report, and I will see the chairman on the subject.