§ 56. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Minister of Munitions whether he sanctioned the action of the Central Liquor Control Board in getting exemption from military ser-vice for eight barmen of military age in Annan, on the ground that the Board is a Government Department entitled to demand exemption for them; whether his attention has been drawn to the protests of the members of the Appeal Court upon 202 this claim of the Liquor Control Board; whether, in view of the need for men and the sacrifices made by every section of the community in parting with men, he will allow the claims of the sale of liquor to rank above those of every other section of the community, including the State itself; and what action he proposes to take?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MUNITIONS DEPARTMENT (Dr. Addison)With regard to exemptions from military service the Board are acting in accordance with the Treasury and War Office Circulars addressed to Government Departments. The policy is to release all employés of military age as soon as possible, but in view of the importance of improving the conditions as regards drink in certain areas of importance in connection with the War, they have treated some men as temporarily indispensable until substitutes for them can be provided. Among these are three, not eight, barmen (of whom one will be forty-one this month). I understand that a question was raised before the Appeal Tribunal by a member of the local tribunal, and that the position of the Board was explained to the Appeal Tribunal.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the Central Control Board in fact a Government Department, and, if so, what is the object of the Clause in the Acquisition of Land Bill?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat should be addressed to the Treasury or the War Office.
§ Sir J. D. REESIf it is, why is legislation required to make it a Government. Department?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not think that arises out of this question.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDo barmen employed under the Central Control Board get exceptional treatment as compared with ordinary publicans?
§ Dr. ADDISONI do not know whether that is so or not.
§ 58. Colonel GRETTONasked the Minister of Munitions what were the convictions for drunkenness in Carlisle in the months of May and June, 1915, and in the same months 1916; and at what date Carlisle became a controlled area?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe restrictions imposed by the Board's Order became operative on the 22nd November last, since 203 when the drinking population of Carlisle and neighbourhood has increased out of all proportion with the past. The figures of convictions for drunkenness are: 1915: May 12, June 10; 1916: four weeks to 28th May 91, five weeks to 2nd July 163. The increase of drinkers in the area and the total unsuitability of existing premises and present arrangements were among the reasons which have led the Central Control Board to take direct control of the liquor traffic in Carlisle as rapidly as possible.
§ Colonel GRETTONAre we to understand from that answer that the regulations of the Control Board proved ineffective at Carlisle?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, certainly not. What you are to understand is that there are 15,000 persons in a country district who were never there before, and that they require drink.
§ 59. Colonel GRETTONasked the Minister of Munitions whether the Defence of the Realm (Amendment—No. 3) Act applies to Ireland; and whether, in view of the fact that the total contracts placed in Ireland since the outbreak of war until May, 1916, amounted to £4,330,860, he intends to add a representative of Ireland to the Board of Control and to extend the operations of that Board to Ireland?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend sees no reason to depart from the decision announced when this matter was under consideration in 1915.
§ Colonel GRETTONThose Regulations do not apply to Ireland?
§ Dr. ADDISONThat is so.
§ Mr. PRINGLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it would help the Irish settlement if they did apply?