§ 32. Miss HORSBRUGHasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state on behalf of which local authorities in Scotland he has received representations during the last six months concerning the drinking of methylated spirits and the necessity for further restrictions on its sale; and what action he proposes to take?
§ Mr. SKELTONDuring the last six months representations in favour of legislation to prohibit or prevent the sale of methylated spirits or kindred spirits for human consumption have been made to my right hon. Friend on behalf of the town councils of Aberdeen, Clydebank, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Greenock, Inverness, Paisley and Stirling. As from the 15th March, 1934, 1538 new formulae for surgical spirit have been brought into operation by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. It is hoped that these will render surgical spirit undrinkable, and it is proposed to await the results of this experiment before considering whether further measures restricting the sale of methylated and surgical spirits are necessary.
§ Miss HORSBRUGHWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to restrict the sale of methylated spirits that will not be affected by the new formulae for surgical spirits?
§ Mr. SKELTONI will consider the question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs not the best way to stop this to reduce the duty on whisky?