HC Deb 24 November 1927 vol 210 cc2036-9
7 and 8. Mr. CECIL WILSON

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether his attention has been called to a prosecution arising out of greyhound racing at the White City; why this prosecution was not instituted by the police; and what has been the average number of constables, sergeants, inspectors, and superintendents present on racing days at the White City during recent months;

(2) why street bookmakers, small shopkeepers, and showmen are frequently prosecuted for offences against the gaming laws and no prosecution has been instituted by the police in the case of greyhound racing?

17. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the criminal proceedings instituted against the Greyhound Racing Association, Limited, for offences against the Betting Act, 1853, in connection with greyhound racing at the White City, London, in which case the magistrate found the defendants guilty at the West London Police Court on 28th October, 1927, and imposed fines amounting to £51 with 100 guineas costs; and why no action was taken by the Home Office or the police authorities against this association?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have seen reports of the prosecution referred to. It is no part of the duty of the Home Office to take proceedings for betting offences. As regards the police, they were posted at points convenient for controlling traffic or disorder, the general management of the stands and enclosures being carried out by persons employed by the Greyhound Racing Association. When an inspection was made, before the police first took up duty, the special device for holding a post exhibiting a bookmaker's board had not been installed. Its later installation by the Association, which was an important point in the prosecution, was not likely to be noticed by police engaged on other duties. Three inspectors, 11 sergeants, and 81 constables are employed within the grounds of the White City, and a superintendent often attends. Street bookmakers and others are prosecuted by the police for observed infractions of law. Betting on greyhound racing is, as I am at present advised, not illegal.

Mr. MORRISON

Am I to take it that in effect the right hon. Gentleman's reply means that, if the people who initiated this prosecution had, instead of doing so, notified the Home Office or the police authorities, they would have undertaken the prosecution, and thus obviated the putting of heavy expense upon private individuals?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That is a purely hypothetical case. All I can say is that, if a person brought to the notice of the Home Office an allegation that an infraction of the law had taken place, we should consider whether or not it was a case in which a prosecution should be brought.

Mr. COMPTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the issuing of instructions to police officers to keep a careful look-out with regard to bets being received from boys and girls of tender years, in the case of whom a licence-holder would be penalised if he served them with intoxicating liquors?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I do not quite understand the hon. Member's question. Does he mean in connection with greyhound racing, or in connection with ordinary racing?

Mr. COMPTON

In connection with greyhound racing tracks, bets are accepted on the track from boys and girls.

Mr. MORRISON

Reverting to the original answer, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that a considerable amount of dissatisfaction exists in regard to this matter because of the celerity with which the police seem to pounce upon small shopkeepers who have little so-called gambling machines on their premises, while, on the other hand, this business, which is carried on on a huge scale, is left to the responsibility and expense of private individuals?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The police can only carry out the law. As I have said, I am at present advised that greyhound racing as at present carried on is not illegal, and, therefore, it is impossible for me to prosecute.

Mr. MORRISON

These people were convicted and fined.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The hon. Member does not quite appreciate the point. They were fined on a rather technical point, because there were posts put up, and that created technically a place where betting was carried on. I am advised, however, that, in the absence of such a thing as that, greyhound racing is not illegal.

Mr. HARRIS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who defrays the cost of the police attending at these racecourses? Is it paid by the courses themselves?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I answered that question last week; they are paid for by the association itself.

Colonel DAY

As the right hon. Gentleman says that greyhound racing is not illegal, does he wish the House to understand that betting on greyhound racing is not illegal?

Mr. COMPTON

Could I have a reply to my question, as to whether it is a contravention of the law for bookmakers at greyhound racing tracks to accept bets from boys and girls under 16?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think the hon. Member had better put his question in writing.