§ 37. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the public anxiety in Scotland on account of the storage of large quantities of whisky in populous centres and the consequent danger to life and property in the event of air-raids; what steps have been taken to disperse these stocks; and what further action is in contemplation?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Allan Chapman)Yes, Sir. The presence of stocks of inflammable material, not only whisky, in areas specially liable to aerial attack has always been a cause of grave concern to the authorities responsible, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that what steps are reasonably possible to deal with the position are being taken. The Regional Commissioner for Scotland, who has been charged with the duty of ensuring the dispersal of whisky and other inflammable materials to the greatest possible practicable extent from the more vulnerable areas, has invited leading Scottish specialists in fire insurance risks to give an independent report upon the whisky position with a view to providing reassurances to the public.
§ Mr. GallacherWould the Minister arrange when making any such dispersal that the stocks will never be found again?
§ Mr. BoothbyIs my hon. Friend aware that a ship called the "Politician" was wrecked recently off the Island of Eriskay with 20,000 cases of proof whisky, destined for America? Can he say what has happened to them?
§ Mr. ChapmanNot without notice.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my hon. Friend satisfied that this dispersal is wide enough?