§ 78. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the special conditions of the Annan district And the necessity for the utmost output to meet the Government's demands, he will consider the desirability of curtailing and diminishing, if not prohibiting, the sale of spirits and strong drink rather than increasing the number, attractiveness, and importance of the places where these drinks are sold?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)The hon. Member may rest assured that this matter is receiving careful consideration from the point of view emphasised in the question.
§ 80. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been drawn to the petition protesting against the erection by the Liquor Control Board of Annan of a place for the public sale of intoxicants with various attractions, such as a cinema theatre, etc., signed by every magistrate in Annan, every doctor, minister of religion, solicitor, 1524 bank agent, all the accessible justices of the peace, every member of the school board except one, and members of the town council, and leading employers of labour, addressed to the Central Liquor Control Board; whether he has evidence that they do not represent the strong feeling of the community, and what the evidence is; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am informed that arrangements have been made to enable the petitioners to discuss these matters with the local committee.
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is appointed under an Act of Parliament, and for the purposes of that Act.
§ 81. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Minister of Munitions if he will state how the managers of the public-houses, under the Liquor Control Board in Annan, are brought under the Licensing (Scotland) Act, so as to be punishable for offences under that Act, in view of the fact that they have not been granted any certificate by the magistrates; and, in order to clear up the uncertainties of the authorities, and public, if he will state definitely by what authority or under what Act or Regulations the managers can be prosecuted for any offences which would be punishable under the Licensing Act?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am sending the hon. Member a copy of the relevant provisions of the Defence of the Realm (Liquor Control) Regulations, 1915.
§ 82. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the sale of spirits has ceased in the Gretna area where the men are under the control of the construction managers; and whether he will consider the possibility of extending the same restriction to the neighbouring district of Annan, where a number of the temporary construction workers are housed, instead of extending the facilities for drinking?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe sale of spirits has ceased in the factory owing to the action of the management, but not in the rest of the Gretna area. The question whether further restrictions should be imposed upon that portion of the district in which large numbers of the temporary construction workers are housed (which includes 1525 Carlisle and Longtown as well as Annan) is being carefully considered, but the hon. Member is under a misconception if he thinks that the action of the Control Board at Annan either has increased, or is intended to increase, or will increase, the facilities for drinking at that place.
§ Mr. MOLTENOIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very strong opinion of the people on the spot?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not know what the opinion on the spot is. I know that their are 14,000 navvies there who were not there before, and there is bound to be more drinking because there are more people to drink.