§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has con- 40W sidered the representations made to the hon. Member for Greenock by the Greenock Total Abstinence Society and forwarded to his Department, that it is unjustifiable, when the people are being rationed, that there should be so much waste in the production of liquor; that, if the present amount of drunkenness continues during the winter, it will lessen the physical energy required for our country's success; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have noted the representations referred to, and I have been in communication on the subject with the Minister of Food. Apart from the increased duties which have recently been imposed on excisable liquors, the production of whisky has been reduced to one-third of the amount produced last year, and the production of beer has also been limited.
§ Mr. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a widespread feeling of alarm among people in Scotland disclaiming any connection with the temperance movement, concerning the excessive consumption of alcohol and its deleterious effects on individuals and its dangers to the national interests; that such excess has no relation whatever to statistics for drunkenness: and what steps he proposes to take to stem these effects and dangers?
§ Mr. BrownWhile my information does not bear out the suggestion that there is increased drinking in the country generally, I am aware that concern has been expressed in certain quarters as to the incidence of consumption recently in particular localities. A careful watch is being kept on the situation, and I am in touch on the subject with other Ministers concerned.