23 NOVEMBER 1934, Page 40

"THE INCREASE OF DRUNKENNESS"

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]

Sin,—While I do not dissent from the general conclusion indicated in your comment on the Iatest:drunkenness figures, may I add a consideration of some importance in a comparison of 1933 with 1931 ?

I rs refer to the difference in the quantity -of alcoholic' beverages consumed in the two years compared. The higher drunkenness figures in 1931 are probably not wholly unrelated to the fact that the consumption of spirits, beer and wine wag notably higher in 1931 than in 1933.-1 am, Sir, yours, he Reform. Club,

ARTHUR SHERWELL.