HC Deb 30 June 1919 vol 117 cc604-5
52. Lieut.-Colonel Sir ALFRED WARREN

asked the Prime Minister if a day will be given for the discussion of future restrictions upon the sale of liquor before any further Departmental action is taken in the matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Perhaps my hon. Friend will await the announcement on this subject which it is hoped will be made this week.

Lieut.-Colonel C. LOWTHER

Ought not all war restrictions automatically to lapse on the signing of Peace?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Perhaps my hon. Friend will await the statement, when he will find exactly what is proposed.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether we may now consider ourselves in a state of peace or whether war still exists until the Peace Treaty is ratified?

Mr. BONAR LAW

More or less. Is the hon. Member ever in a complete state of peace?

74. Sir A. WARREN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions when the Liquor Control Board is to come to an end?

75. Major PRESCOTT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the duties of the Liquor Control Board are to be handed over to any Department of State on the termination of the Board's control?

144. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Ministry controls the Liquor Control Board, and when the latter will, upon its existing basis at any rate, cease to exist?

The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

I must refer the hon. Members to the announcement made by the Home Secretary on Thursday last.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great resentment occasioned by the operations of this three-star chamber? Is he aware that it is prejudicing subscriptions to the Loan and that speakers now are met with cries of "No beer no Loan"?

Lieut.-Colonel THORNE

Have the Government considered the advisability of dissolving the Liquor Control Board?

Mr. KELLAWAY

That is one of the subjects now being considered by the Government.

Mr. BILLING

Will they come to a conclusion before the Loan closes, as it is materially affecting the loan amongst the working classes?

Mr. G. TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when the Government will announce their policy in regard to liquor control?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We have already said that we hope to be able to announce it this week. I still hope so.