§ 53. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister what Government Department has control over the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); and what Department or Minister is responsible to the House of Commons for the acts and defaults of this Board?
§ The DEPUTY MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)In practice the Minister of Munitions answers for the Board in this House. As to the extent of his responsibility I would remind my hon. and learned Friend that on 26th October, 1916, a Motion was moved in this House:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) should no longer be independent, of the control of Parliament, and that its proceedings and expenditure should be made subject to the control of a Minister responsible to Parliament.
§ The Motion was negatived.
1097§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs it not essential for the authority of Parliament that there should be a Minister responsible for the action of the Board which has been appointed by the Government?
§ Mr. ROSEWill the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Government with the view of issuing a weekly or a biweekly bulletin under the general title of "Who is Minister of Which"?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to the authority of Parliament being preserved?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI agree that the position of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) might be described as extra constitutional, and was accepted by Parliament as a result of the abnormal conditions prevailing during the War. The present position is now being considered by the Government.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIn view of that answer, and the fact that this Board was constituted for the purpose of expediting the production of munitions and other special war necessities which have now gone, will the hon. Gentleman represent to the Ministry the desirableness of abolishing the Board altogether, and thus removing one of those active causes of industrial unrest?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIt is not necessary for me to represent to the Government that this should be considered. As announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the course of his speech recently, the Government have the subject now under consideration.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the hon. Member say what he means by the phrase "extra-constitutional"?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order! We are not halfway through the questions yet.
§ 62. Colonel BURDONasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware of the injury being done to the interests of temperance and also of the undercurrent of resentment and consequent unrest prevalent in all parts of England, Wales, and Scotland caused by the feeling among all classes that the restrictions on the sale of beer and spirits are being retained for obscure political purposes; and whether he will take steps to revert at once to pre-war conditions?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am not aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. The whole question of the restrictions on the sale of beer and spirits is at present under consideration and no statement can be made.
Colonel THORNECan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government will give a decision about the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTTAs soon as possible; I cannot say when.