HC Deb 15 May 1958 vol 588 cc595-6
35. Mr. Simmons

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many instances, as a result of the cases of 2,072 persons under eighteen years convicted for drunkenness in the three years 1954–56, proceedings were instituted against the licensees from whom in something less than half the cases the drink was known to have been obtained.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

In 1,192 of the 2,072 cases in question, the source of the drink was unknown. Of the remaining 880 cases in which the source was known, licensed premises accounted for 635. During the same period, the number of persons proceeded against for knowingly selling drink to persons under eighteen for consumption on licensed premises was 135 and the number convicted 67.

Mr. Simmons

Is the Home Secretary aware that there is very serious concern among social workers at this increase in drinking among young people? Is not the percentage of convictions rather low, considering the numbers involved? I understand that the Minister is considering ways of obtaining information on juvenile drinking. Can he promise a report to the House in the near future on the steps that the Government are taking to check this growing evil?

Mr. Butler

We do our best to obtain all the information we can. It is very difficult to establish the exact source of the drink. That is why the number of convictions is relatively small.

Mr. Ede

Does not the Secretary of State think that the figure of only 70 convictions out of 137 cases, which were presumably presented to the bench by the police, calls for some investigation by his Department?

Mr. Butler

I cannot interfere with the ordinary administration of justice, but I do not think that this is unnatural. What I think is rather extraordinary is the number of cases known compared with the number which have been brought up for trial. That is the real difficulty.

Mr. Remnant

Can my right hon. Friend say whether he has any means of penalising these juveniles who give false information of their age to licensees or club stewards.

Mr. Butler

It is simply a case of finding them out and catching them. Then we can do something about it.