HC Deb 04 July 1957 vol 572 cc1278-9
12. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the increase of convictions for drunkenness last year, whether he will obtain the figures of convictions for drunkenness for each of the ages between 14 and 21 years; and what evidence there is as to the places from which the persons convicted obtained the drink immediately prior to their conviction.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The information immediately available shows that 933 persons aged 14 and under 18 were convicted of drunkenness during 1956 and indicates that nearly 70 per cent. of these were aged 17 and about 25 per cent. aged 16. The number of convictions of persons aged 18 and under 21 was 4,452.

Chief constables were again asked for available information about the source of the liquor in cases of offences by persons under 18. In 57 per cent. of the cases the source was not known and in 33 per cent. it was stated to be public houses.

Mr. Gibson

In view of the large number of convictions and the serious public apprehensions about them, will the right hon. Gentleman follow up this investigation to try to get to know in more detail what are the sources of supply of the liquor, because there is illegal drinking which has resulted in convictions for drunkenness?

Mr. Butler

We shall certainly do our best, but it is very difficult to cure social evils solely by the making of inquiries or even by legislation. We have ascertained that licensees on the whole do their best. From our inquiries I find that it is very difficult for them to be sure, for example in a crowded bar, that they are not serving drinks to people under age, but they do their best.

Dame Florence Horsbrugh

Is it not also very difficult for licensees or others who serve drinks to know whether an individual is 17, 18 or 21?

Mr. Butler

That is confirmation, for which I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, of what I was trying to make clear, that it is extraordinarily difficult to find out someone's age.

Mr. G. Thomas

In view of the fact that there is an alarming increase in the rate of drinking and drunkenness among young people, is it not, whatever the difficulty, the Secretary of State's responsibility [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—the responsibility of us all—to tackle this problem to see that these figures are reduced?

Mr. Butler

Clearly there is an increase in drunkenness. There are, however, about 4 million persons under 21. The number of convictions for drunkenness is comparatively small, 5,385. While I agree that they are disquieting, I do not think the matter is completely out of hand. I will do my best within the powers available to me to follow this up.