28. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to implement the findings of the Report of the Royal Commission on Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming, 1949–51.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeLegislation would be required for this purpose and in view of the congested state of the Parliamentary programme I can hold out no hope of legislation on this controversial topic in the near future.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes my right hon. and learned Friend appreciate that action on some of the recommendations of this Commission is long overdue, especially in regard to the football pools? Will he do something to try to make that recommendation effective as soon as possible?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI will take that point into account.
§ Mr. NallyAssuming that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is right about the impossibility of legislation on this matter at present, would he not be prepared to consider the suggestion that he should meet the football pool promoters and insist that they do what they have been promising to do for some time, namely, publish their accounts, particularly in view of the fact that the State takes 30 per cent. of this bucket-shop business in taxation?
§ Mr. LewisAs the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said he will look into the matter, will he also consider consulting the leaders of the Tory Party with a view to them publishing their accounts?