§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. H. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)This Bill only consists of one clause, and its object is to remedy a defect in the Gambling Act. Under that Act, all debts payable on account of bets made and lost are void and irrecoverable at law. That was the state of the law for many years until within the last few years, when it was decided that such debts are recoverable when made through agents, and not as made between principals. Obviously this is a scandalous state of the law, and never intended; discreditable alike to the law and the Judges who have to administer it. The Bill has gone through the House of Lords without any dissent. Its object is clear, and I hope the House will not think it needs discussion.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. H. H. Fowler.)
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.