HC Deb 25 May 1922 vol 154 c1420
62. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the North Borneo Chartered Company retains to itself the monopoly of gambling rights amongst the Chinese labourers of the territory; that the company puts up to auction each year the sole rights to organise and farm out gambling among the coolies; and what was the amount received by the company at the last sale by public auction of this right?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, I will ask the British North Borneo Company for the requisite information.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British North Borneo Company make £25,000 a year out of these gambling licences? [HON. MBMBERS "Why not?"]

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to be on the wrong bench!

Colonel WEDGWOOD

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. It is true I may be on the wrong bench—[HON. MEMBERS: "Take it like a man!"]—for the moment, but not, I hope, for ever!

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