[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sur,—Is not Lady Astor
making a mountain out of a molehill ? The convictions for drunkenness last year were 77,000 as against 187,000 in the last pre-War year. The number has been steadily decreasing for decades, and with more education and greater self-control should be still further reduced. Also, is the consumption of alcoholic drinks so very excessive ? The consumption of spirits in these Islands (proof gallons) has fallen by 60 per cent. since 1913, and that of beer (standard barrels) has fallen by 42 per cent.
For what is it, then, that Lady Astor is working ? In your issue of December 15th she takes some trouble to explain that she does not wish to see Prohibition in this country. How is it, then, that she was reported in the Press as saying in debate in the House of Commons on February 24th, 1920 : " I hope very much from the bottom of my heart that some time the people of England will come to Prohibition" ?—•
I am, Sir, &e., H. S. WOODHOUSE. Field's Oak, 131andford, Dorset.
Previous page
