HC Deb 24 April 1917 vol 92 cc2218-9
34. Mr. MOLTENO

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the accounts of the Liquor Control Board of the Annan district will now be published, as promised by him in June last?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to my right hon. Friend the Member for the Dumfries Burghs on the 19th instant.

Mr. GULLAND

In view of the discussion about State purchase does the hon. Member not think it would be very valuable to have these figures published—the figures of a concrete example?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I will press that point upon the Board.

35. Mr. MOLTENO

asked the Minister for Munitions whether spirits are being sold in the Gretna area in the public-houses under the control of the Liquor Control Board; whether it is proposed to extend the sale of spirits to the public-houses erected by the Board; whether, in addition, residents may supply themselves with spirits sent to their addresses from outside the area; and, if so, whether any, and what, limit is placed on the amount of spirits so introduced?

Mr. KELLAWAY

On the Scottish side of the Border, prior to the inception of the Board's direct control undertaking, there were twenty public-houses licensed for the sale of both spirits and other excisable liquor. The Board have closed eight of these houses for the sale of any kind of intoxicants, and have discontinued the sale of spirits in two of the others. Spirits continue to be sold in the remaining ten houses. The Board have erected no premses for the sale of intoxicants in this area except the Grade's Banking Tavern, at Annan, in which no spirits are sold. The Board have given much consideration to the question of limiting or otherwise regulating the importation of excisable liquor into the area, but have not found it necessary at present to take special measures for this purpose.

Mr. MOLTENO

Do I understand that the Ministry proposes not to sell any spirits at Grade's Banking Tavern?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I said, "The Board have erected no premises for the sale of intoxicants in this area except the Grade's Banking Tavern, at Annan, in which no spirits are sold."

Mr. J. HENDERSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is reported that £60,000 worth of whisky has been bought for Gretna within the last few months?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That is information to me. I will have inquiries made.

Mr. GULLAND

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the Report which I see in the newspapers will be available to Members of this House? It is not to be got in the Vote Office.

Mr. KELLAWAY

I will certainly inquire into it.