HC Deb 18 June 1917 vol 94 cc1423-5
51. Mr. O'GRADY

asked with reference to the conferences that have taken place between the Government and the brewers and distillers in respect to the State purchase of their concerns, whether the interests of the retailers have been considered; and whether there is any intention of taking the views of the retailers in this matter?

52. Mr. P. A. HARRIS

asked what progress the Government has made with the scheme to purchase the liquor trade; whether representatives of the brewers and the distillers have been consulted on the subject; and whether this House will be given an early opportunity to discuss the whole question?

55. Mr. MILLAR

asked whether it is proposed to set up an executive body to control the liquor trade in this country or to control the trade in any other manner pending the Reports of the Commissions to be appointed to deal with the purchase of the trade in each part of the United Kingdom; and whether an opportunity will be afforded to the House of discussing the question of control of the liquor trade before any action is taken by the Government in that direction?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Representatives of those interested have been and are being consulted by the Government. As I have already stated, no action involving the control of the liquor trade will be taken until the subject has been discussed in the House of Commons.

Mr. HARRIS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Government is receiving support purely as a War Government, and does he think it right that the Government should engage in a big socialistic experiment of this kind in the middle of a great war?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for argument.

Mr. MILLAR

By what method, by Bill or otherwise, do the Government propose to act?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would rather not say definitely, but I presume that it will be by a Bill.

Sir J. D. REES

Will a discussion in this House take place before the Government is in any way committed to the adoption of this Bill?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think it must be obvious to the House that neither this nor any other Government can come to a decision until they examine the subject. That is what we are doing. That does not imply that, having examined it, we may not have come to a definite conclusion.

Mr. S. MacNEILL

Must not a Bill be preceded by" a resolution?