HC Deb 10 February 1853 vol 124 c24
SIR JAMES DUKE

asked if Her Majesty's Government intended to introduce any measure on the subject of betting houses?

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

replied, that the question to which his hon. Friend alluded was one that required great attention, and he feared that there was a good deal of foundation for the opinion that much evil had been produced by betting houses. At the same time, the subject was involved in very great difficulties, and he confessed that he had not yet satisfied his own mind as to any practicable measure that would accomplish the purpose in view, without going beyond the object which was sought to be attained. But it was a subject to which he was still giving his attention.