HC Deb 22 June 1933 vol 279 cc918-20
11. Mr. LEVY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government has yet been able to study the Report of the Lotteries omission; and whether he proposes to introduce a Bill embodying any of the Commission's proposals?

13. Mr. ISAAC FOOT

asked the Home Secretary if the Government intend to introduce legislation dealing with any of the questions arising from the Report of the Royal Commission on Lotteries and Betting?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

As the House will appreciate, there has not yet been time for His Majesty's Government, in view of their many preoccupations, to give careful study and attention to the Report of the Royal Commission. Moreover, in view of the congested state of public business, my right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot give any undertaking that it will be possible to introduce legislation in the near future to deal with any part of the wide field covered by the recommendations of the Commission.

Mr. LEVY

Can my right hon. Friend give some indication as to when legislation may be introduced; and does he think it will be before the end of this year?

Mr. FOOT

Will the Government have regard to the fact that the Commission were asked to expedite their inquiry in view of the chaotic condition of things; and will the matter be regarded as one of extreme urgency, in view of the fact that it is so regarded throughout the country?

Viscountess ASTOR

Does not the Under-Secretary think that, having appointed a Royal Commission and got expert advice, he ought to act on it, and not wait for the opposition against it to get organised and make it almost impossible to act?

Mr. HACKING

I do not care to deal with tactics in my reply. With regard to the approximate date when this matter will be introduced in the form of legislation, it is really impossible to say until the Government have had the opportunity of going closely into the report, which is a very interesting report, and worthy of very serious consideration. I do not suppose, myself, that it will be possible to introduce legislation during the present Session.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, with respect to Irish sweepstakes alone, any delay in introducing legislation would cause a loss to the country of £5,000,000 a year?