§ Mr. BOYTONasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that Coroner S. Ingleby Oddie at a London inquest on the body of an ex-seaman, who committed suicide in the Thames off the Victoria Embankment on Saturday, 22nd April, commented on the fact that no brandy could be obtained, either for the deceased or his rescuer, as the occurrence took place during the hours when the sale of spirits, except on the production of a medical certificate, is prohibited by the Liquor Control Board; and whether, having regard to the opinion, publicly expressed by the coroner, that a supply of brandy might have saved the deceased's life and his rescuer from the illness contracted by his immersion, he will take immediate steps to so amend the present Regulations as to prevent a repetition of such an incident?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy attention has been called to this case. There is no material difference between the position under an Order of the Control Board and the position under the general law. I agree with the coroner's view that no one would have blamed the manager of the licensed premises if he had taken personal responsibility under the exceptional circumstances. I should have thought it very improbable that the police would prosecute a licensee in such circumstances, or that, if the police did prosecute, any magistrates would convict.