§ 40. Mr. Mathersasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the continued success of the Carlisle and district State management scheme, as disclosed by the latest report, he will consider the desirability of extending the scheme to other areas, especially those in which munitions are being produced and where convictions for drunkenness are showing large increases?
§ Sir S. HoareThe convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales which fell continuously from 79,000 in 1924 to 30,000 in 1932 have risen each year since 1932 to 44,525 in 1936. I know of no sufficient reason for connecting a rise which has been continuous since 1932 with the production of munitions. The scheme of State management could neither be extended nor abolished without legislation, and legislation on this subject is not contemplated at the present time.
§ Mr. MathersDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that in carrying out the suggestion in the question he will be serving the cause of temperance and doing a piece of good business at the same time?