HC Deb 11 February 1937 vol 320 cc563-4
23. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Home Secretary the reasons that have caused him to decide to make no alteration in the State management scheme of the drink traffic in Carlisle, Gretna and Cromarty?

Mr. Lloyd

The change suggested by the Select Committee on Estimates was that the English and Scottish schemes should be placed under one general manager. Examination of this proposal showed that the consequent saving on salaries would be very small, and that local opinion in the Scottish districts was opposed to such a change. There appears to be no reason, therefore, to disturb the existing organisation of the schemes, which has worked and is working satisfactorily.

Brigadier-General Spears

If local opinion in the Scottish districts was consulted, why was not opinion in Carlisle consulted also? Is my hon. Friend aware that Scottish opinion in this matter is not as important as opinion in Carlisle?

Mr. Lloyd

I imagine that the Scottish district also is important.

Brigadier-General Spears

Not as important as Carlisle.

Mr. Lloyd

Presumably, if there were to be an alteration, it would be desirable that it should be made in both areas.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Does my hon. Friend think it desirable to continue in a trade which his colleague the Postmaster-General refuses to advertise?

24. Brigadier-General Spears

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to extend the State management scheme of the drink traffic to other areas than Carlisle, Gretna and Cromarty?

Mr. Lloyd

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. A. Jenkins) on 19th January.