§ 47. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Prime Minister whether it has now been decided that a wine merchant. shall no longer be compelled under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to insist on payment for wine or spirits sold to customers before delivery of the goods can be given; and, if this Regulation is to continue, if he will explain why the Defence of the Realm Regulations are used in peace time to interfere with the legitimate transactions of private individuals?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Regulation applies to all sections of the liquor trade, and it is obviously not possible to make an exception in favour of the well-to-do. I am informed that the prohibition of the sale of intoxicants on credit has had a marked effect in the reduction of intemperance, and pending the introduction of the promised Bill the Government are not prepared to annul this Regulation.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that while people are in favour of temperance they are not in favour of an uncontrolled Board imposing Regulations on the people of this country which have not been sanctioned as to peace time by this Parliament?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware there is a great deal of feeling of that kind, but I think there is also a strong feeling in the House that we ought to derive some lessons on this subject from our experience in the War. All that we ask is that the House should wait until the Bill is introduced.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it seriously maintained that this does promote temperance?