HC Deb 17 November 1960 vol 630 cc548-50
37. Mrs. Slater

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that sweets are being sold in the shops and advertised as containing a sufficient amount of alcohol to make children tipsy; and whether he will include provision in the promised licensing legislation, or otherwise, to make it illegal for sweets of this sort to be available so that children can buy them.

32. Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the common sale in sweet shops of confections containing as much as 11.7 proof spirit and advertised in some shop windows as capable of making children tipsy; and if he will consider the introduction of a provision in the coming licensing legislation or of a special measure which will make this practice illegal.

48. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the common sale in sweet shops of confections containing as much as 11.7 proof spirit and advertised in some shop windows as capable of making children tipsy; and if he will consider the introduction of a provision in the coming licensing legislation or by special measure which will make this practice illegal.

Mr. Vosper

I am informed that the contents of these sweets are such as to make them subject to the existing law relating to the sale of spirits. Accordingly they may be sold only under the authority of a licence and may not be sold to children under 14.

Mrs. Slater

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not very far from this House these sweets are being advertised as capable of making a child tipsy? What steps does he intend to take to see that the people who sell these quite freely in the shops are dealt with and prevented from selling them—in spite of the laughter from the benches behind him—in view of the fact that it is extremely dangerous that young children should be encouraged in the habit of taking alcohol?

Mr. Vosper

It is possible that there are a few left of the first consignment which did not comply with the existing law. Further consignments come under the existing licensing law. Main distributors and retailers have been so informed, and therefore children under 14 will not be able to buy these chocolates.

Miss Bacon

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are not chocolates but in fact sweets, like the liqueur chocolates, and that they are on sale and on view in many shop windows throughout the country?

Mr. Vosper

I am sorry, but I am aware that they are sweets. I sampled one this morning. I assure the hon. Lady that only the first consignment, which did not come under the existing law, can be sold. Further consignments will be covered by the existing law.

Miss Bacon

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the first consignment did not come under that law, because they were very strong. He is not the only one who sampled them.

Mr. Vosper

The answer to that is that they contain no free liquid and therefore do not comply with the licensing laws. Further consignments all contain free liquid.