§ 36. Mr. Viantasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many males and how many females comprised the total of 4,417 persons under 21 years of age against whom the offence of drunkenness was proved in 1955; and what increase has taken place in either sex as compared with 1952, 1953, and 1954.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe figures are 4,183 and 234 respectively. For males, the increases were 902 compared with 1954 and 1,303 compared with 1953, The corresponding increases for females were 13 and 18. Corresponding figures for 1952 are not available.
§ 37. Mr. Viantasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the figures of the offences of drunkenness published by his Department for 1955 show, not only a considerable increase for persons under 21 years of age, but also that there is now a higher incidence of drunkenness among them than among persons over 60 years of age; and whether he will discuss clinical measures with the Minister of Health, 617 and instruction measures with the Minister of Education, and take any other preventive measures necessary to stem the growth of drunkenness among the young.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeYes, Sir. As I indicated in reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Come Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall) on 21st June last, I will continue to keep a close watch on the question of drunkenness among young persons, and if it appears that any special steps are called for or would be helpful, I shall not hesitate to take them.