HC Deb 10 December 1953 vol 521 c2158
11. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now institute inquiries to ascertain where those convicted of drunkenness and offences connected with it have obtained their liquor.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I regret that it would not be practicable to obtain this information.

Mr. Remnant

Will my right hon. and learned Friend re-examine this matter, because it is essential, if these offences are to decrease materially, to find the sources of supply? [An HON. MEMBER: "Stop brewing."] Would not the information also relieve from odium any of those sources of supply which are conducted in a proper manner?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

As I have said, it is a matter of practicability. I am ready to consider any suggestion.

Mr. J. Hudson

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider it to be part of his duty, when an offence is proved to have been caused by drunkenness, to attempt to find out the persons responsible for providing the means of the drunkenness, and, where the responsibility can be discovered, to make such persons also culprits in the courts?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

That suggestion opens up an infinite variety of questions which I do not think fall within the scope of this Question.