§ 18. Mr. THOMAS WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary if he can state how many mechanical totalisators were established on greyhound racing tracks during the 12 months ended 31st May last; and what instructions are given to the police to deal with them?
Mr. STANLEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. My right hon. Friend has not issued any instructions to the police on the subject.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDo we understand that the Home Office are taking no note of the development of mechanical totalisators at greyhound races, sports and athletic grounds, or anywhere else?
Mr. STANLEYThe hon. Member is no doubt aware that the whole question of the legality of these totalisators is now the subject of an appeal in the High Court.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSBut will not the Royal Commission, which is about to commence its sittings for the purpose of examining betting in all it forms, require such information as is sought in this question, and how is such information to be supplied to them?
Mr. STANLEYThat is a hypothetical question, and all I can say is that we have not yet got the information.