HC Deb 26 June 1919 vol 117 cc325-7
52. Major NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling created in the country by the action of the Government in allowing the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), a body without a representative in the Government or in this House, to arbitrarily interfere with the liberties of the subject and to spend public money without any Parliamentary control; and if he is prepared to give a day to discuss the actions and policy of the Board?

60. Captain TERRELL

asked if the Prime Minister will state his intentions with regard to the future existence of the Central Control Board; what is its actual coat; and what is the number of people it employs?

53. Captain DOUGLAS HALL

asked to whom is the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) responsible?

Mr. SHORTT

The Government is aware that the Central Control Board has been criticised in certain quarters. As regards the cost of the Board and the number of persons employed I would refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions to a question 'by the hon. Member for Central Southwark on the 7th of May last. The Government has the whole subject of the future regulation of the Liquor Trade under consideration, and expect to announce its intentions in this regard to the House in the course of next week. It would probably be convenient to the House that discussion of the subject should be postponed until it is in possession of the Government proposals.

Colonel ASHLEY

As we are to be told next week the decision of the Government, may we be told also who are the Gentlemen appointed by the Government to advise them. These names have so far been refused to the House of Commons. We ask for the names of the people on whose advice the Government are coming to their decision?

Mr. SHORTT

That shall be considered.

Captain HALL

Does that answer my question as to who nominated the members of the Board?

Mr. SHORTT

No, Sir.

Captain HALL

What Member of the Cabinet will answer that question?

Mr. SHORTT

The Minister of Munitions.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Board was established as a branch of the Ministry of Munitions, and that the Leader of the House said that Ministry was responsible for it?

Mr. SHORTT

They will answer for it.

Major NEWMAN

Can we have an allotted day for the Debate?

Mr. SHORTT

I must ask for notice of that.

54. Captain HALL

asked who nominated the members of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), and who fills the vacancies which occur from time to time?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have been asked to reply to this question. The members of the Central Control Board were nominated by the Minister of Munitions, who also fills any vacancies which may occur.

Colonel ASHLEY

May I ask for the names of those who are advising the Government?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That is quite a different question.

Captain HALL

Who is responsible for the acts of this Board to the House of Commons?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That question has been answered by the Leader of the House.