LIQUOR LEGISLATION

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 149, 12 March 1923, Page 7

LIQUOR LEGISLATION

FORBIDDING SALES TO YOUTHS UNDER 18 LADY ASTOR’S BILL READ SECOND TIME by Telegraph.—Press association. —Copyright. (Rei. Marrh 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 9. Lady Astor’s Bill forbidding the sale of alcoholic liquor to persons under 18 years prompted an animated debate in the House of Commons. It was the first Bill ever introduced into Parliament by a woman. Lady Astor said 90 per cent, of inebriates contracted their habit between the ages of 15 and 25. Boys of 18, she asserted, were children. “Why,” she exclaimed, sweeping her arm, “you are all children! That is why we women like you!” Many an English mother was praying for the success of the Bill. In one year 4063 boys of from 16 to 21 were arrested for drunkenness. The measure did not touch the clubs, and did not prevent children from bringing the dinner beer.

Mr. C. W. Crook (Con.), seconding the Bill, said he disliked the extremists on both. sides. He preferred the joyous optimism of Omar Khayyam. Major Sir R. C. Hamilton (Lib.) said that grandmotherly legislation would delay the chances of an improved publichouse, and create a desire in children to drink, because it was prohibited. A boy would think it great to have a flask in his pocket. He would become popular with the girls. Lady Astor had said that every boy and girl had a bit of the devil. Lady Astor: Nothing of the kind! Sir R. C. Hamilton: You said: “Who had sufficient devil in you to make you want something prohibited.” Girls and boys were alike. Rear-Admiral Sir G. Gaunt (Con.) declared the Bill to be rotten, although its object was magnificent. Had Eve originally not been subjected to prohibition, all would bo happiep They did not want beastly prohibition, which would tear the bottom out of tho temperance movement. Sir Frederick Banbury (Con.) said he could hardly see any drunkenness in the upper classes. Mr. J. Sexton (Lab ): You don’t see it.

Labour members: They go home in cabs.

Mr. E. Scryzngeour, tho noted pohibitionist, continually protested owing to his'failure to catch the Speaker’s eye. Mr. W. C. Bridgeman (.Home Secretary) thought it would be difficult to carry out the measure, owing to the inability to decide from the appearance of a person whether he was over 18. Ho did not share Lady Astor’s view that beer was bad for persons under 18. In order to prevent the Bill being talked out, Lady Astor moved the closure.

The Bill passed its second reading by 338 votes to 56.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.