HC Deb 21 December 1932 vol 273 cc1082-3
65. Mr. EVERARD

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the rapid increase in the tote clubs, he will take an early opportunity of declaring the intentions of the Government in regard to the opportunities for gambling which such clubs afford; and what action, if any, will be taken?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement I made on the 19th instant at the end of Questions.

Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman speed up legislation?

Mr. BUCHANAN

May I ask if in the meantime those interests are to be subject to the carrying out of the law the same as any other persons; and whether the statement in the Press this morning that the Home Office and the police will not enforce the law in the same way as it is enforced against anybody else is correct?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not responsible for the statements made in the Press. I made a statement to the House. I think that it is very clear, and I have nothing to add.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Has there been no modification of that statement owing to deputations that the right hon. Gentleman has received since?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Certainly not.

Mr. KNIGHT

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that the law will be fully supported and carried out as laid down by the judges, and, secondly, has he seen reports which go to show that certain newspapers yesterday published misleading and malicious reports which tend to pervert the course of justice?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I cannot add anything to what I have already said. I have made my position clear in this House, and I am not responsible for anything else.