HC Deb 09 July 1925 vol 186 cc600-1
57. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government intend in future to allow advertisements and announcements intended and likely to stimulate the consumption of spirits to be published in State publications?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

It has long been the practice to admit advertisements of manufacturers and distributors of alcoholic liquors to Government publications, subject to exceptions in certain cases.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not a fact that three previous Governments have been urged to put in these advertisements, and that they have refused, and as the advertisers expect to get an increased consumption of drink, is it wise to encourage them in doing so?

Mr. GUINNESS

As to the first part of the question, the Noble Lady will find that in the publications of the Admiralty, the Air Ministry, the Board of Trade and the Office of Works for many years past these advertisements have been included. I cannot, of course, say what is in the mind of the advertiser. He may not merely want to stimulate the con-consumption of drink, but to divert it from other channels to his own business.

Viscountess ASTOR

Does the Prime Minister really think that it is in the public interest, considering that we have to do what we can to restrict the hours of drinking and the consumption of drink? Is it wisdom?

Miss WILKINSON

Is it not a fact that this Government is so inextricably mixed up with the drink traffic that it cannot avoid it?