§ 27. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state, for each of the last two years at any convenient date, the number of police raids made on shops transacting illegal ready money betting, the number of people arrested and the total of fines paid.
§ Mr. MaclayFor the year ended 31st December, 1956, 512 premises were visited by the police in Scotland and proceedings were taken against 10,477 persons, fines totalling £18,642 being imposed. For the year ended 31st December, 1957, the figures were 695, 12,202 and £22,595 respectively.
§ Mr. HannanIs the right hon. Gentleman now satisfied that these figures demonstrate the growing concern—and there is growing concern—amongst local authorities, police authorities and the general public at the growth of this undesirable traffic, with its evil social consequences? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs as to the possibility of introducing legislation giving effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Betting, Lotteries and Gaming, which was very aware of this concern?
§ Mr. MaclayThe Government have undertaken to introduce legislation, but it is not yet possible to say when.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the betting laws in Scotland are just about as effective as were the prohibition laws in America and that the application of these fines is just a farce—everyone knows that betting is tolerated all over the place—and that legislation should be introduced to put it on a proper basis?