HC Deb 10 February 1938 vol 331 cc1250-1
37. Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary how many gaming-houses have been raided by the police in the Metropolitan area during the 12 months ended 5th February, 1938; and how many people have been fined or bound over?

Sir S. Hoare

As the reply includes a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

During the 12 months ended 5th February, 1938, 94 search warrants under the Gaming Act were executed in the Metropolitan Police District. In 80 of these cases the warrants related to cafes, clubs or funfairs in which gaming machines were in use. As a result of the ensuing proceedings, two persons were sentenced to imprisonment and 144 were fined. The number of persons bound over was 104, including 97 persons who were found frequenting the premises. The charges against 12 of the defendants were dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act and in seven cases the proceedings have not yet been terminated.