§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a number of betting offices and houses are being kept open daily in Armagh, Ballymoney, Cork, Coleraine, Londonderry, Limerick, Maryborough, and Waterford, and will he reconsider the advisability of taking proceedings in their cases under the Betting House Act of 1853.
§ MR. DELANY (Queen's Co., Ossory)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the Question, I beg to ask him whether he is aware that the principal parties who frequent betting houses in Maryborough are officials of His Majesty's Prison—
*MR. DELANYWho are also disciples of Mrs. Smily's, of Birds' Nest fame, Dublin, as well as of the hon. Member himself.
*MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! I must call attention to the fact that it is gross disorder for an hon. Member to persist in putting a Question after he has been called to order, and whilst I am standing.
*MR. WYNDHAMThe police report that, though vigilant watch has been maintained, no evidence has been obtained to show that any offices or houses have been kept open for betting in any of the places named. A prosecution was instituted for betting under an archway in Armagh, but was abortive, as the King's Bench Division decided it was not a "place" within the meaning of the statutes. In Londonderry, where a bye-law has been passed against street betting, a conviction was obtained. In Cork there have been seven successful prosecutions since 1896.