HC Deb 28 March 1968 vol 761 cc1714-5
36. Mr. Hilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Working Party on Habitual Drunken Offenders to make a report.

Mr. Taverne

I understand that the working party, which is meeting every two weeks, hopes to complete taking evidence by the end of May. It is too early to say when it will be able to present its report.

Mr. Hilton

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that that is the sort of answer that we have been receiving for years, that the solution to this very great problem may depend on the outcome of this working party and that as long as there is procrastination the problem will never be solved?

Mr. Taverne

I am aware of my hon. Friend's interest in this matter. I heard of it at the school which I was addressing yesterday. The working party must digest a great deal of evidence from voluntary services, medical authorities, professional bodies and all those concerned with alcoholics. I cannot add anything further, except to say that the working party will receive evidence in May and that it has been working very hard.

37. Mr. Hilton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action has been taken to provide hostels for methylated spirit drinkers, especially within the area of Greater London.

Mr. Taverne

My right hon. Friend's responsibility is for discharged offenders. Five hostels in Greater London and two in the provinces, providing a total of 71 places for habitual drunken offenders, are in receipt of Home Office grant. They all accept crude spirit drinkers. I know of two other hostels in Greater London and two in the provinces, offering 49 places, which accept offenders who are crude spirit drinkers.

Mr. Hilton

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that he accentuates the fact that they accept crude spirit drinkers—not that they actually accept them or deal with the problem? Is he also aware that an official of his Department met my local authority and promised speedy action but that my local authority is becoming disillusioned about this prospect?

Mr. Taverne

I take note of what my hon. Friend says.

Earl of Dalkeith

Is there any risk that the high rate of duty on whisky and other spirits drives people increasingly to drinking methylated spirit?

Mr. Taverne

I should not like to say what the transition process is in these cases.