LICENSING REFORM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIB,—I am not prepared to discuss the success or otherwise of the Carlisle experiment in State ownership on such a slender fact—if fact it be—that there has been an increase in convic- tions for drunkenness there during the past month as com- pared with the same month in previous years. For all I know to the contrary, there may have been a similar increase throughout the country. Mr. Pooler is doubtless aware that this was the case in England and Wales in 1919 and 1920 com- pared with the year 1918. The figures for the two years show an increase of 100 per cent. in 1919 and 230 per cent. in 1920, while Carlisle shows an increase of 70 per cent. only. Further, there are many other considerations to be taken into account in estimating the value of statistical drunkenness. Mr. Pooler quotes Mr. Philip Snowden's statement, but that has been discredited long since. There are no two towns where the con- ditions are alike : how, then, can any useful comparison be made? Again, Mr. Pooler does not even quote Mr. Snowden correctly, for the figures Mr. Snowden used referred to the year 1919, and not to 1920 at all. If Mr. Pooler will take the trouble to compare the figures for 1919 with those for 1920 he will find ample evidence of the unreliability of the statistical test. Mr. Pooler says that " Experience teaches that sobriety will not be attained by drinking out of bureaucratic glasses." No one has ever suggested that it would. In his next sentence Mr. Pooler is, however, good enough to admit that " State ownership would assuredly mean the elimination of private profit." Therein lies the key to the solution of the liquor problem, for with the elimination of private profit the inducement to push sales disappears. No responsible State would push sales for the sake of the profit, seeing that the results of an excessive con- sumption of intoxicants are reflected in an inevitably greater outlay in meeting the cost of pauperism, crime, insanity, and other social evils. But the experience at Carlisle should suf- fice to disperse Mr. Pooler's fears. As regards quality, the materials used in brewing are, we are assured, the best obtain- able, and " every care is taken to ensure that the finished product is of a high standard." As to the price charged, this is fixed by the Food Controller, and applies universally throughout the country. Apaat from the experience afforded by Carlisle, the State would be guided in these matters by economic considerations, and both quality and price would be so determined as not to create any sense of injustice. The State under public ownership stands to benefit very largely from economies in administration, for competition would cease.—I am, Sir, &c., A. F. HARVEY (Secretary, Temperance Legislation League). Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W. 1.
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