§ 15. Mr. HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the number of tote clubs being opened for the purpose of providing facilities for gambling; and whether, in view of the fact that these clubs holds licences for the sale of alcoholic liquors and that in some cases the membership runs into thousands, any special steps are being taken to ensure that the law is observed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. So far as the licensing laws are concerned, tote clubs in which intoxicants are supplied to members are subject to the same requirements as any other kind of club, and I have no reason to think that steps are not being taken by the authorities concerned where necessary to secure compliance with those requirements.
17. Mr. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the growth of tote clubs all over the country; and what steps he proposes taking to arrest this evil?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and in regard to the second part, I have this matter under consideration.