HC Deb 28 January 1941 vol 368 cc416-7
43. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the total number of proceedings, convictions, and charges proved of drunkenness in England and Wales for the year 1939?

Mr. Peake

Owing to the necessity of giving priority to urgent work directly connected with the war, the compilation of statistics has been delayed, and it may be some little time before these figures are available. I will furnish them to my hon. Friend as soon as I can.

Mr. Morrison

Do I take it that owing to the war they do not intend to publish these figures this year?

Mr. Peake

No, Sir. They will be circulated to anybody who asks for them.

Viscountess Astor

Could my hon. Friend tell us roughly whether drunkenness convictions have increased or decreased?

Mr. Peake

I cannot say in answer to this Question.