§ MR. MORTON (Peterborough)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of "Jenks v. Turpin," in which Mr. Justice Hawkins made the following statement with regard to baccarat playing—
It is a game of cards. It is a game of chance, and though, as in other things, experience and judgment may make one player or banker more successful than another, it would be a perversion of words to say that it was in any sense a game of mere skill. It is, therefore, in my opinion an unlawful game within the meaning of the Statute;and whether the Law Advisers of the Crown were aware of this case when they advised him that "baccarat" was not illegal?
§ MR. MATTHEWSIf the hon Member will read the judgment of Mr. Justice Hawkins in " Jenks v. Turpin," he will find that the Judge was careful to explain that playing at baccarat was an "unlawful gaming" within 17 and 18 Vict., 38, 4, because it was played in a house kept for playing at that game, and that was rendered illegal by statute. The casa is familiar to the Law officers.
§ MR. MORTONWill the right hon. Gentleman explain what is meant by a house kept for the purpose?
§ MR. MATTHEWSThe hon. Gentleman will find that fully explained in the judgment.