§ 29. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations of the Business Committee of the Church of Scotland Women's Guild Council of Kirkcaldy, representing 43 branches of the council, calling for legislation on the subject of 1067 the supply of intoxicants to members of the Armed Forces; and whether he proposes to take any action on the lines of the council's recommendations?
§ 31. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the copy sent to him of a resolution of the Church of Scotland Women's Guild Council, of Greenock Presbytery, representing 4,500 women, asking that a no treating order for the duration of the war be promulgated immediately; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have received no representations on this subject from the local councils referred to, but I am aware of the terms of the resolution recently passed by the Central Guild. On my present information I cannot find that there is a case for a prohibition of treating, but I am keeping the situation under careful review.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the Secretary of State aware that the women mentioned in Question No. 31 are impressed with the fact that treating is a favourite and potent weapon in the hands of Fifth Columnists, alias traitors, and will he consider the matter from that point of view?
§ Mr. BrownI have all points of view in mind, including the point of view that the number of persons apprehended in the four large cities in Scotland for offences involving drunkenness during the period from September, 1939, to June, 1940, was 13,420, against 13,666 for the corresponding period 12 months before.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question of drunkenness does not enter into this matter at all, and that it is a matter of loosening the tongue and giving away information on the principle of in vino veritas?