§ 36. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will seek powers to obtain from brewers and distillers financial contributions for research into the question of an association between the consumption of alcohol and crimes of violence and fatal road accidents.
§ Mr. BuchanNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HamiltonI appreciate the difficulty of persuading the brewers and distillers to finance research into this problem, as they are so busy financing the Tory Party, but, since there is a prima facie case for a close relationship between the consumption of alcoholic liquor and crimes of violence, will my hon. Friend try to persuade a university to undertake research into this important matter?
§ Mr. BuchanCertain universities are studying this. I accept that there is not only a prima facie case but a well-known link in terms both of violence and of road accidents. I do not know what end product could come out of research except the advice, " Don't drive and drink ". But all those who are involved in this know that there is a strong connection.