HC Deb 14 February 1898 vol 53 cc479-80
MR. WILLIAM FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made inquiries as to the working of the law lately passed in Germany forbidding the sale of options or gambling in futures in grain; and whether the Canadian law forbidding gambling in futures in grain has worked satisfactorily; and, whether he has given the subject consideration with a view to future legislation?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Right Hon. C. T. RITCHIE,) Croydon

Reports have been received from Her Majesty's representative at Berlin on the working of the Law of 1896 for the regulation of Exchanges, from which it appears that the scope of the new Law is still sub judice. From information obtained through the Governor-General of Canada as to the working of the sections of the Canadian Criminal Code which relate to gambling in "futures," it appears that action under these sections has been rare. As to how far they have worked satisfactorily, the hon. Member can form his own opinion if he avails himself of the invitation addressed to him to peruse the Reports at the Board of Trade. There is no present intention to propose legislation on the subject in this country.