HC Deb 10 February 1949 vol 461 c527
45. Mr. Nally

asked the Prime Minister whether he will now make a statement with regard to the proposal to recommend to His Majesty the setting up of a Royal Commission on Lotteries, Betting and Gaming.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Yes, Sir. The King has been pleased to approve the setting up of a Royal Commission on Lotteries, Betting and Gaming with the following Terms of Reference: To inquire into the existing law and practice thereunder relating to lotteries, betting and gaming, with particular reference to the developments which have taken place since the report of the Royal Commission on Lotteries and Betting in 1933, and to report what changes, if any, are desirable and practicable. I am glad to be able to announce that the right hon. H. U. Willink, K.C., M.C., Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, will act as Chairman. I am not yet in a position to announce the names of the other members of the Commission.

Mr. Nally

While extending my heartiest thanks for the Prime Minister's rather delayed reply, may I ask him whether, pending the results of the work of the Royal Commission, which must necessarily be protracted, he will give an assurance that the existence of the Royal Commission will not necessarily impede action by the Government to deal with gross cases of profiteering, waste of labour and materials and other malpractices in betting and gambling, convincing evidence of which a group of hon. Members and myself propose to present to the Prime Minister at a very early date?

The Prime Minister

I should like to wait and see that.