§ 38 and 39. Mr. Nallyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is aware that, despite falling revenues, football pool winnings in excess of £100,000 have recently been paid and publicised by the organisations concerned; and if, in view of these facts, he will request the Royal Commission now examining this and other forms of betting, to consider issuing an interim report as to the methods of football pool accountancy and declaration of winnings upon which they have already received considerable evidence;
(2) if he is aware of the public disquiet as to the lack of information as to the accounts of the football pool industry; and if, pending the report of the Royal Commission now sitting, he will consider legislation designed to make full weekly publication of accounts obligatory upon all football organisations.
§ Mr. EdeAs the Royal Commission is expected to report fairly early in the New Year, I do not think I would be justified in asking them at this late stage of their proceedings to consider issuing an interim report on this matter. I will, however, bring my hon. Friend's Questions to their notice. The House will be aware that a Private Member's Motion for leave to introduce a Bill to make compulsory the regular publication of accounts and information by persons promoting football pool betting was carried without a Division by the House last Tuesday.
§ Mr. NallyMay we assume from what my right hon. Friend has said that it is his intention to give every possible support to the Private Member's Bill relating to this question, which is shortly to come before the House?
§ Mr. MarloweDoes not the fact that a Bill is to be brought in, after being 1312 introduced under the Ten Minutes' Rule, show how completely wrong the Lord President was in resisting the demand for the restoration of Private Members' time?