§ 64. Mr. HASLAMasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of recent decisions that such games as hoop-la and darts for prizes and coconut shies at fairs and shows are illegal, he proposes to introduce legislation for the purpose of legalising these amusements?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the reference is to the proceedings at the London Sessions in January against Patrick O'Brien, who pleaded guilty, I understand that the decision of the deputy-chairman was that the use of a certain gaming machine made the whole establishment a common gaming house, so that all the games therein, including darts and hoop-la, but not, I think, coconut shies, became unlawful. I last week received a deputation on the matter and am considering their views.
§ Mr. MACKINDERWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is hoop-la?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not sure whether it means anything going through the hoop or not.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEIs there any joy in it?
§ Mr. HASLAMIn view of the very large number of His Majesty's subjects interested in these innocent amusements, cannot my right hon. Friend make some reassuring statement on the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have said that I received a deputation of several Members of Parliament last week on the subject, and I have asked my legal department to get me out a full statement of the law on the subject.
Sir F. HALLHas not the law been stretched a little too far, and is my right hon. Friend aware that the Court of Appeal has heard the case of a whist drive held on behalf of a charitable institution?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat arises on the next question.