§ 7. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can furnish an estimate of the amounts staked annually on horse racing and dog racing, respectively?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)I regret that I have no information on which I could base an estimate of the volume of betting on horse racing and dog racing.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the fact that this matter is likely to be before us at an eary date, will my right hon. Friend examine the information that was submitted some years ago to the Royal Commission and add to it, so that we can have the information before the Debate arises?
§ Mr. HACKINGI will consider the matter, but I doubt very much whether we can get a close estimate.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAre not the Government of opinion that there is far too much dog racing and horse racing?
46. Captain ARTHUR EVANSasked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to bring the present Session to an end at the beginning of August; and if it is proposed to move for the Committee stage of the Betting and Lotteries Bill to be taken on the Floor of the House or to be referred to a Select Committee for consideration?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)As regards the first part of the question, a statement will be made at the appropriate time in the usual way. As regards the last part of the question, until the Bill referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is received from another place, I am not in a position to make any statement.
Captain EVANSMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is in the position to say whether it is the considered intention of His Majesty's Government to take whatever steps are necessary to pass this Bill into law during the present Session?
§ Mr. BALDWINI am sorry that I can add nothing to the answer I have given, because I have no cognisance of what may go on in another place. Until the Bill gets here, I know nothing about it.