HC Deb 20 February 1930 vol 235 cc1573-4
61. Mr. EDE

asked the Home Secretary how many prosecutions in the Metropolitan police district took place in the last year for which statistics are available of persons playing the game of house on racecourses, at fairs, and elsewhere?

Mr. CLYNES

This game is far leas common than it was for a time shortly after the War. To collect the information asked for would involve an expenditure of time and labour which I am afraid could hardly be justified, but if my hon. Friend will communicate to me what he has in mind I will see whether any information can be obtained for him.

Mr. EDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider discontinuing prosecutions in the case of this particular game, which soldiers during the War were informed by the Army authorities was not gambling at all?

Sir G. HAMILTON

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain what this game is?

Mr. CLYNES

I speak as one less wise than some in these matters, but I have done my best to understand it.