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42
nake funds available to local authorities so that this work could be
carried out on behalf of the strangers in their midst.
Representing the London County Council, The Reverend Dr. Donald
Soper intimated that the Council had recently set up a working party
to consider the question of crude spirit drinking. He wondered whether
the Mental Health Act of 1959 did not already provide the means to
compel addicts to undergo treatment. These views were reiterated by
many of those present during the wide discussion which followed. A surprising
degree of success was already being obtained in this field
by many workers, some of whom were present. Additional financial assistance
was required to extend it.
It was resolved-
(a) That, despite all the good work being undertaken by
various voluntary organisations, the problem can only
be dealt with by new legislation, including provisions
for the compulsory treatment of addicts and the payment
of grants for the establishment of hostels, and
to enable them to give assistance wherever necessary.
(b) That there should be greater restrictions on thesale
of surgical spirit and that consideration should be
given by Parliament to providing for the addition of
other denaturants to all forms of crude spirit to
render it undrinkable.
(c) That the work of voluntary organisations should be
maintained with the aid of grants and that co-oper
ation between all interested bodies should be encouraged.
(d) That the Minister be informed of the views expressed
by the various Representatives at the Meeting, and
requested to consider as a matter of urgency some
form of legislation which:-
(1) would strengthen existing powers and give more
stringent control over the sale of spirits of the
nature under discussion.
(2) make adequate funds available to the appropriate
authorities and voluntary bodies to enable more
to be done to combat the existing situation so
far as these unfortunate people are concerned by
providing treatment and rehabilitation.
(e) That in view of the action already taken by the London
County Council in setting up a working party to