§ 2. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the appointment of a committee to inquire into the relationship of the consumption of alcohol as a contributory cause of the increase in violent crime.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Norman Buchan)Alcohol is a contributory factor in the commission of crimes, including crimes of violence. But my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be useful to set up a committee for the purpose of trying to establish more closely the nature and extent of this link.
§ Mr. HannanIn view of the mounting evidence from the courts, the recent remarks of Lord Stott, the evidence that one sees in hospitals and the increase in teenage drinking, is there not sufficient reason to justify my request?
§ Mr. BuchanI do not think that there is sufficient reason here to justify this particular request for a committee. There is certainly a case for research on this as one of the many complex factors in this situation.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIs the Minister aware, following his Answer, that a Committee would seem to be something of an irrelevance? Does he appreciate that what the public in Scotland require is action to deal with this problem?
§ Mr. BuchanIt depends on what the hon. Gentleman means by "action". Thought is being given to this. There are changes of attitudes towards this 503 question in some of our industrial cities, and we have debated this at some length in Scottish Grand Committee.
§ Mr. HannanIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.