HC Deb 30 July 1906 vol 162 c454
MR. ALLEN (Christchurch)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the practice in the Federated Malay States for the Government to farm out the gambling establishments to the highest bidder; and, if so, whether he can state what means, if any, are taken to restrict the growth of gambling amongst the Chinese mining population.

*MR. CHURCHILL

The exclusive right of keeping public gaming-houses and of issuing licences for gaming is farmed out. I am not aware whether the highest tender is always accepted, but, doubtless, as a rule the Government accepts the most favourable terms. The right is subject to certain regulations and restrictions, the principal of which are: that the existing accommodation for gaming shall not be increased without the written sanction of the resident; that the resident may prohibit the issue of licences for private gaming in any district; that public gaming shall only be permitted with certain specified hours; and that no wages of miners or other labourers shall be paid within the precints of a gaming-house. I may add that it is the intention of the Secretary of State to review the general character of the regulations in the Federated Malay States when other public business of a more pressing character has been disposed of.

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