HC Deb 21 May 1928 vol 217 cc1488-9
5. Mr. WALTER BAKER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, despite the illegality of gambling in Burma, such gambling has been practised on a large scale; that licences for gambling booths have been issued to the highest bidders; and that forced assessments, the money for which was raised by this method, to the Rangoon University Endowment Fund were made in five districts, despite the refusal of the English District Commissioners to countenance such illegal methods of raising revenue; and whether he will call for a full report and place it in the Library?

Earl WINTERTON

The information in the possession of my Noble Friend is to the effect that, while irregularities did occur in a very few districts, steps were taken by the Government of Burma to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Gambling Act immediately the matter came to their notice. In the circumstances, my Noble Friend does not think it necessary to call for a report, especially as the matter has already been fully debated in the Burma Legislative Council.

Mr. BAKER

Will the Noble Lord look into the matter further if I send him newspaper cuttings which appear to prove that large sums of money were in fact raised by this means?

Earl WINTERTON

I am well aware of the articles which appeared in a certain paper. My Noble Friend prefers to base his decision upon the opinion of the Government of Burma which is stated in the Debate which took place in the Burma Legislative Council. If the hon. Member will read the Debate, and if he wishes to ask me any further question on the matter, I shall be glad to satisfy him that these allegations are quite unfounded.

Mr. BAKER

Does the Noble Lord deny the accuracy of the figures that were published as to the receipts raised in this way?

Earl WINTERTON

It is a well-known fact that Ministers are not concerned with figures published in the Press. I understand it is out of order to ask questions based on Press reports. My Noble Friend satisfied himself that the allegations are unfounded and were disposed of in the Debate that took place in the Burma Legislative Council.