§ 64. Mr. C. STEPHEN (for Mr. McGOVERN)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in view of the recent dispute between the Football League Management Committee and the Football Pools Association, he will consider introducing a Bill to regulate the whole question of football betting?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)As the hon. Member is aware, the question of pool or pari-mutuel betting will shortly be coming up for discussion in this House on the Bill introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. R. J. Russell).
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONIs not the recent increase in football betting pools generally considered to be largely due to the Act which prohibits people indulging in the innocent amusement of taking tickets in lotteries?
§ Sir J. SIMONThat is a matter for debate.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to give the House his personal guidance when the Bill comes up on 3rd April?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe matter is under consideration.