§ 39. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had time to study the report of the Departmental Committee on Vagrancy in Scotland, particularly chapter III, paragraph 28, which deals with the methylated spirit and "Red Biddy" drinkers and the addicts to even worse concoctions; whether he has considered the recommendations contained in chapter XII, paragraph 152, for dealing with these addicts; and, if so, what action, if any, is proposed to give effect to the recommendations?
§ Mr. ElliotThe report is under consideration. As stated in the report, the 990 drinking of methylated spirits, "Red Biddy," and other such concoctions is not confined to vagrants. The recommendation in paragraph 152 that vagrants addicted to such practices should be compulsorily detained raises a very wide question, which requires careful consideration.