§ Mr. Mathersasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the convictions for drunkenness increased in Birmingham last year by 37 per cent., being now double what they were four years ago; and whether, in connection with the consultations now taking place between the Home Office and local authorities about the conditions of safety in a time of national danger, he proposes to direct the attention of the magistrates to this aspect of public safety and order?
§ Mr. LloydThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not quite follow the hon. Member's suggestion in the second part, but I see no reason to suppose that the magistrates are in need of any advice from my right hon. Friend.