HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 cc2475-6
9. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked 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-HICKS

If the hon. Member will kindly send me any information he has on this subject, I will consider the matter.

Colonel DAY

Is 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-HICKS

The 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. MORRISON

Does 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-HICKS

Generally, I should agree with that statement.