HC Deb 09 March 1944 vol 397 cc2178-9
30. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can give any information in connection with the police raid made on the Cypriot Café in Charlotte Street which was being used as a gaming place; how many people were in the café; and if there were any of the armed forces there.

Mr. H. Morrison

This café was entered by the police on 4th March and a game of dice was found in progress. Seventeen persons were found, all of whom were arrested. One of them, who was charged as principal, was fined £40 and ordered to pay £12 costs. The other sixteen were bound over, three of them being ordered to forfeit recognizances previously entered into. Of the persons found on the premises, one was a serving soldier, one a deserter from the Army, and three were merchant seamen. The deserter was subsequently handed over to a military escort.

Mr. Thorne

My right hon. Friend has informed me on several occasions that he has no power to close down these clubs. Will he not seek powers?

Mr. Morrison

I will consider the point but I am not anxious to secure additional powers.