§ 62. Colonel WEDGWOODasked 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. CHURCHILLThe 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 WEDGWOODIs 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. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman seems to be on the wrong bench!
§ Colonel WEDGWOODOn 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!