§ 9. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the growing practice of book makers on greyhound racecourses accepting bets from children and young per sons; and whether he will set up a Committee to make immediate inquiries and to submit recommendations as to the most effective way of stopping this practice?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. Member will kindly send me any information he has on this subject, I will consider the matter.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that betting in this way is illegal, and, if so, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that some action should be taken?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Member must specialise a good deal more in what he means by "betting in this way." As a matter of fact, betting by children is not per se illegal. It may be so in the future, but it is not now.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that, whatever may be the merits or demerits of betting among grown-up people, it is desirable that every effort should be made to prevent its spread among children?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSGenerally, I should agree with that statement.