HC Deb 30 March 1944 vol 398 cc1532-3
11. Mr. Harry Thorneycroft

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that the law which states that young people under the age of 18 years must not be served with or treated to intoxicants on licensed premises is being strictly enforced.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am satisfied that the police, the licensing justices and the great majority of the licensees are fully alive to the importance of doing everything possible to enforce these provisions; and last December I arranged, with, the help of the Brewers Society and the National Consultative Council of the Retail Liquor Trade, that for the purpose of enlisting the co-operation of the public a notice should be prominently exhibited in all bars setting out the provisions of the law in simple terms. Recently a postcard campaign on this subject has been organised by a religious body in order, as the organisers say, "to ensure that members of the Government are flooded with cards at about the same time." While I appreciate the motives of these organisers, this flood of cards does not, of course, provide any evidence or information as to the extent to which there is failure to comply with the law.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Does not the Minister agree that reports coming in from all parts of the country show that there is an increase in heavy drinking among young people, particularly girls, and that it would assist both publicans and police if the identity cards showed the year of birth?

Viscountess Astor

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give an answer with regard to identity cards? Does he not know that there is anxiety in the whole country on this matter?

Mr. Guy

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that a no-treating order was introduced?