§ MR. BURDETT-COUTTS (Westminster)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the application made by a school manager at the Westminster Police Court, on Wednesday, 5th March, with reference to the gambling carried on by means of automatic machines in sweetstuff shops, and the magistrate's observations on the same; and if any action can be taken to stop the evil, or, if the law is not able to deal with such cases, will he take steps to have it amended.
§ * MR. RITCHIEThis matter has been the subject of action by the police, and a question is now before the High Court which may help to elucidate the legal difficulty that has been felt by some magistrates. When the decision has been given, the matter shall receive full consideration.