§ 64. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the letter sent to him by leading churchmen of the Church of Scotland and of Non-conformist denominations in Scotland, Presbyterian and Independent, and by leaders of the Salvation Army, the Church of Scotland Women's Guild, the Young Men's Christian Association and the Young Women's Christian Association urging the gravity of the dangers arising from the treating of His Majesty's Forces and their auxiliary services to alcoholic liquors, and appealing to the Government to promulgate a no-treating order in respect thereof; and what steps he is to take in connection therewith?
§ 68. Mr. Lipsonasked the Home Secretary whether he will give further consideration to the imposition of a no-treating order?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have considered the letter referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. As I have said on previous occasions, I am watching the situation carefully, but my present information does not indicate that there is a case for prohibiting treating.
§ Mr. GibsonAs this matter is one of some concern North of the Border, will my right hon. Friend make an order applicable to Scotland?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think some Questions were put to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on that matter.
§ Mr. LipsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he will obtain reports from police authorities in towns where there are military camps, and also from medical hospitals where soldiers are being treated, so that he can consider whether they justify his statement?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have received certain reports, but the representations made to me have come mainly from temperance societies.
Mr. DavidsonWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that Scotland will not welcome any imposition which is not placed on any other part of the country?