HC Deb 06 March 1928 vol 214 cc951-2
21. Mr. BARR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many arrests for drunkenness, alleged to be due to the drinking of methylated spirits, were made by the police in the City of Glasgow during the 12 months ending 31st October, 1927; and the number of such arrests in each of the wards of the city where they took place or, alternatively, the numbers in each of the respective police divisions of the city?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As the answer to this question involves a number of figures. I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HARDIE

Since methylated spirits are denatured, do the figures include any cases of such having been taken?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Perhaps the hon. Member will wait till he sees the figures, and, if anything arises on them, he can put down a Question.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people who buy methylated spirits for consumption take it away and consume it in their own homes, and after a comparatively small quantity they are unable to stir abroad, and are not therefore subject to arrest? Is he also not aware that the reason for poor people taking to methylated spirits is the disgracefully high price of Scotch whisky?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Gentleman will be able to give the House information when he is a Minister.

Following is the answer:

The following return shows the number of persons apprehended for being drunk and incapable in the various police divisions of the City of Glasgow during the year ended the 31st October, 1927, whose condition is believed to have been due to the drinking of methylated spirits.

Division. Males. Females. Total,
Central … 63 52 115
Western … 86 31 117
Eastern … 23 7 30
Southern … 59 20 79
Northern … 26 8 34
St. Rollox … 6 3 9
Queen's Park … 4 — 4
Maryhill … 1 — 1
Govan … 4 3 7
Partick … 7 2 9
Marine … 24 6 30
Total … 303 132 435