§ 16. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction with the gaming laws, what consideration has been given to making alterations, and what decisions reached; and what action is likely in the near future to deal with the present situation.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Renton)My right hon. Friend has no plans for the introduction of legislation on this subject in the present Session of Parliament.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the hon. and learned Gentleman answer the Question, which asks what consideration has been given and what decisions have been reached? 1418 Although the hon. and learned Gentleman states that he has no proposals for this Session, will he please give some information in view of the fantastic situation about what consideration has been given and what decisions have been reached?
§ Mr. RentonA great deal of consideration has been given to the Report of the Royal Commission on this subject, but it would be wrong for me to state what decisions have been reached in advance of any possible legislation. It would be very extensive legislation, and it would be wrong for me to raise the hon. Gentleman's hopes about when it could be fitted into a legislative programme.