§ 24. Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Information whether he will use all the means of propaganda at his disposal to impress on people, young and old alike, that indulgence in alcoholic liquors is not only harmful to the individual but also a serious hindrance to the war effort and that national sobriety is essential for achieving the best work towards a speedy victory?
§ Mr. ThurtleNo, Sir. It is no part of the duty of the Ministry of Information to lecture the public on the good or evil effects of alcohol.
§ Dr. LittleWill my hon. Friend cause regular statements to be made to the public through the Ministry of Information that persons under 18 cannot be served with alcoholic liquor in public houses and that it is illegal for adults to treat such persons?
§ Mr. ThurtleI suggest to my hon. Friend that it is no part of the function of the Ministry of Information to give lectures on the use or abuse of alcohol. I do not think the House would wish it to do so.
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that no Government since the world began have ever cared less about temperance than this Government?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonIs not this House still without a milk bar?
§ Commander Sir Archibald SouthbyIs it not the duty of the Ministry of Information to provide the public with information, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to inform the public where it can get alcoholic liquor?
§ Sir Richard AclandAs the Ministry of Information is advising the public to curtail the consumption of all sorts of things, such as fuel and water, might it not consider advising it to curtail the consumption of beer?
§ Mr. ThurtleThe duty of the Ministry of Information is to give information to the public, but it is not the duty of the Ministry of Information to indulge in propaganda on contentious subjects.
§ Mr. John BeattieWill the Parliamentary Secretary use his powerful influence on Guinness's, of Dublin, for the restoration of the supply of Guinness's stout in Northern Ireland?