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CRUDE SPIRIT DRINKERS
In the 1963 annual report mention was made of the problems of vagrants and crude spirit
drinkers. A further effort was made to find a solution to this problem at a meeting held at the
Southwark Town Hall in February. Representatives were present from the London County Council,
Corporation of London, Stepney Borough Council, Southwark Borough Council, Ministry of Health,
Metropolitan Police, Maudsley Hospital, Salvation Army, Royal London Discharged Prisoners
Aid Society, Camberwell Borough Council and Bermondsey Borough Council.
The City of London was represented by:-
Mr. H.M. Pinnell, O.B.E., Mr. H.T.Pike, Mr. W. Samuels, Mr. S. Sheppard, Dr. W.G. Swann and
the Rev. D. Harbord (Rector of St. Botolph's, Aldgate).
The effect of crude spirit drinkers on the public by creating nuisances and causing fear to
women and children was mentioned but the main points of discussion were the dangers of crude
spirit drinking and the ways of prevention, cure and rehabilitation.
The main dangers of crude spirit drinking is the risk of damaging the optic nerve leading to
nerve blindness, cirrhosis of the liver as well as insensitivity to cold and pain; and ultimate
death through alcoholic poisoning.
Unfortunately methylated spirits can be obtained quite easily and it appears that even surgical
spirit can be obtained from some shops although reputable chemists would refuse to sell it for
improper purposes. It would appear therefore that the only way of prevention would be by adding
a denaturant to make the spirit even more unpalatable and to have legislation or controls which
would make it more difficult to obtain surgical spirit for improper purposes.
The curing of crude spirit drinkers is very difficult as very few, if any, would volunteer for
treatment and it is important to remember that these addicts are also suffering from a mental
disorder which makes them unable to form proper human relationships and this leads them into
their degraded mode of life. Perhaps in their own interest provision should be made to compel
them to accept treatment.
Rehabilitation is the final stage and every assistance should be given to these individuals,
after cure, to once again become useful members of society.
Since the Churchyard of St. Botolph's-, Aldgate has been fenced, crude spirit drinking in
public in the City has lessened. Nevertheless, the club which is run for "down and outs" at
St. Botolph's Church by the Rector, Rev.D. Harbord still has about 30% crude spirit drinkers in
its membership.
The discussion at the meeting was full and detailed and the following resolution was passed:-
(a) That, despite all the good work being undertaken by various voluntary organisations,
the problem can only be dealt with by the 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 the sale 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-operation 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:-
(i) would strengthen existing powers and give a more stringent control over the sale
of spirits of the nature under discussion;
(ii) 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 consider the problem of crude spirit drinking, the decisions of
this meeting be conveyed to that authority, and to the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing
Joint Committee, and that they be asked to support the recommendations of the meeting.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES
There is one mens'common lodging house in the City which is fully occupied nightly. These
premises are situated at 116, Middlesex Street and are owned by the Salvation Army Authorities,
the Deputy Keeper is Major H. Jones who resides at that address.
The premises house some 420 men on 6 floors. There are canteen facilities available in
the basement.
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