HC Deb 10 March 1885 vol 295 cc608-9
MR. O'SULLIVAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is true that clubs have been recently formed in Dublin by men who have been convicted of cardsharping and for keeping gambling houses; and, if he is aware that gambling and drinking is carried on all night at those clubs; and, if so, if he will take any steps to put a stop to those places, which are drawing numbers of young men into habits of drinking and gambling?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I understand that three clubs, duly registered under the Companies Act of 1862, have been recently established in Dublin. The police there have been very active in the suppression of private betting houses, and in the prevention of betting in the public thoroughfares and on licensed premises; and it seems probable that the establishment of the clubs I refer to is due to this fact. It is not intended to relax the vigilance of the police over this matter in consequence of the establishment of clubs, and any infringement of the law will at once be taken notice of; but so far nothing has come to the knowledge of the police that would justify a prosecution.

MR. O'SULLIVAN

Were none of those persons convicted cardsharpers?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I believe that some persons have been convicted under the Betting Act who are connected with these clubs.

MR. O'KELLY

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have the licences of the clubs revoked?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I do not think there is any ground on which to withdraw the licences until a case is proved.

MR. O'KELLY

Is it usual in Ireland to give licences to persons of this kind? ["Order!"]

[No reply.]