§ 70. Mr. WARDLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the names of the witnesses from Stockport invited to give evidence at the Control Board Conference in Manchester, on 23rd November last, and who attended and gave evidence; and whether such evidence was for or against the making of and Control Board Order?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)As I have previously stated, between 300 and 400 persons of public standing were invited to attend the conference mentioned in the question. I fear I cannot undertake to identify the Parliamentary constituency from which each of such persons came.
§ 69. Mr. CURRIEasked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been drawn to public comments made by the Provost and magistrates of the town of Annan as to the action in and around that town of the Central Control Board; whether these operations of the Board are to be regarded as partaking to a certain extent of the nature of a social experiment and demonstration on a fairly large scale of the possibilities and advantages of disinterested control of the liquor trade, in addition to and apart from the objects of the Defence of the Realm Acts; and, if so, whether, having regard to possible proceedings before the losses tribunal in Scotland, it is practicable for his Department to publish a White Paper setting forth the facts and circumstances, so as to enable the public interested in such experiments to follow the position?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am informed that representations on this subject have been made by the Provost and magistrates of Annan. I understand that negotiations are proceeding, and that in many cases agreement has been arrived at.