HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1289-90
47. Captain BARNETT

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the subject of State purchase of the liquor interests is receiving the serious consideration of His Majesty's Government, he is in a position to give an assurance that the interests of licensees will receive full and adequate compensation under any scheme which the Government may adopt; and whether, in order to allay the growing fears of retailers, he will undertake to consult the accredited representatives of the retail trade in England and Wales before finally coming to a decision on a matter which must vitally affect their livelihood?

50. Mr. LEWIS HASLAM

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider, in connection with the question of the State purchase of the liquor traffic, the desirability of the purchase by the State of the productive part only of such traffic— that is, the breweries and distilleries—so that the Government shall have complete control over the quality, the alcoholic strength, the quantity, and the destination of beer, etc., and spirits produced and distributed, and so that questions of retail distribution may be settled subsequently by such administrative regulations as may be desirable?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Every aspect of the question will receive careful consideration.

Mr. G. FABER

Considering the immense cost involved in any purchase by the State, will the right hon. Gentleman defer the further consideration of this most important matter until after the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My hon. Friend may be sure every aspect of the case will be carefully considered.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in discussing this matter, he will bear in mind that a great many other businesses and professions have been vitally affected by the War, and have received no compensation?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My hon. Friend may be sure that we are not likely to forget that fact.

Sir J. D. REES

Has my right hon. Friend seen in Lord George Hamilton's "Recollections" the disastrous effect on Governments of handling two subjects, namely, women and wine?

54. Mr. HASLAM

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of obtaining expert opinion as to the value of alcohol for motive power and in connection with industries and the probable extension of its use for such purposes if produced under State control and sold at a low price while still providing a source of revenue?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. Gentleman's suggestion shall receive due consideration.