HC Deb 18 January 1949 vol 460 c13
22. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will reconsider his decision not to allow prison officers' clubs in Scotland to be licensed for the sale of wines and spirits in addition to the beers and ciders now permitted, in view of the fact that prison officers' clubs in England and Northern Ireland are so licensed.

Mr. T. Fraser

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to change the existing rules in this matter.

Mr. Brown

Is there any earthly reason whatever why we should not treat these officers as grown-up men; and is there any reason why they should be any less free to order what they like than a citizen in a public house or we within the smoking room?

Mr. Fraser

Grown-up men in Scotland act rather differently from grown-up men in England.

Mr. Brown

Are we to understand that in those circumstances the export of Scotch whisky from Scotland to England is part of a deeply laid plot against this country?