Possible Clues:

• Noted economist, a lady, cuts into card-game
• Economist who wrote a report the night before cracking game
• Man who made report, sounding in drink
• Report on which legislation for the UK Welfare State was based
• Old reporter reported for drink
• Game interrupted by female reporter in 1942
• Man anxious for our welfare says 'Drink!'
• Welfare reformer picked up something for supper
• Reporter once said to be drunk