§ 10. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a decision given by the High Court which makes whist drives for prizes illegal under the Betting Act of 1853; and, in view of the wide-spread demand that whist drives should be made legal, will he consider the introduction of an 1188 amending Act that will have as its object the provision to allow this amusement 10 continue?
§ 12. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent decision that the use of a room for progressive whist and whist knock-out competitions for prizes is illegal and whether he proposes to take steps to secure an amendment of the law whereby these forms of recreation will be legalised?
§ 14. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the uncertainty caused by a recent High Court decision declaring the use of a room for whist drives for prizes to be illegal, he will consider the introduction of legislation in order to make the position clear?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have had an opportunity of discussing the recent High Court decision with the Lord Chief Justice, and I understand that the effect of that decision is to reaffirm the interpretation of the law which was laid down some 16 years ago. Any amendment of the general law relating to gaming involves very difficult considerations.