HC Deb 20 February 1891 vol 350 c1233
MR. MORTON (Peterborough)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Solicitor to the Treasury, when prosecuting clubs for allowing baccarat to be played, has always described the game as an illegal game, and that Magistrates have invariably convicted; and whether the advisers to the Solicitor of the Treasury are also the advisers to the Home Secretary?

MR. MATTHEWS

I am informed by the Solicitor to the Treasury that he has no recollection of ever having prosecuted a club for allowing baccarat or any other game to be played, and he has had no occasion to describe it as stated, nor is he aware that Magistrates have invariably convicted. When the Secretary of State has occasion to seek legal advice he consults the Law Officers of the Crown. Their advice is also at the disposal of the Solicitor of the Treasury.