§ 31. Mr. FELLasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the prosecutions of proprietors of private gambling clubs in London and to the recent loss by a Canadian officer of £1,200 1327 at one of them, and to the fines which are imposed on the proprietors; and if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to inflict imprisonment without the option of a fine, at least in such prosecutions as arise during the War?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)Imprisonment without the option of a fine may be imposed upon proprietors of gaming houses under the Gaming Act of 1845 and the Gaming House Act, 1854. In a recent case a sentence of four months' imprisonment without option of fine was passed by the London Court of Quarter Sessions and confirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeal. Further legislation does not therefore appear to be necessary. The incident quoted, in which a Canadian was concerned, occurred in 1911.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs it not the case that the hon. Gentleman has referred to the only case that has occurred where a man was committed without the option of a fine?
§ Mr. FELLIs the hon. Gentleman certain that this case arose in 1911? I am instructed that it occurred last week. May I ask, further, whether anything can be done to inflict imprisonment in connection with these scandalous clubs in the West End of London?
§ Mr. BRACEThese are the facts as advised; but if the hon. Gentleman will let us know of any case, we shall be exceedingly obliged to him.