46. Major DAVIESasked the Prime Minister whether the proposals for the State purchase of the liquor traffic will include the purchase of distilleries now engaged in the manufacture of intoxicating liquor for beverage purposes; whether it is proposed that after they have been purchased they should be used for the production of alcohol for industrial, surgical, and medical requirements; whether alcohol can be manufactured at Is. a gallon as compared with the present price of 3s. 6d. per gallon for petrol; and 668 whether, in view of the saving of money which may be effected, he will introduce at an early date a measure for the State purchase which will include the taking over of all the distilleries in the country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am unable to make any statement at present.