HC Deb 13 December 1960 vol 632 cc188-9
10. Mr. Snow

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the expenditure of dollars on the importation from the United States of America of gambling machines, for the last convenient accounting period of not less than one year.

Mr. Erroll

I regret that separate figures for gambling machines are not available.

Mr. Snow

Is it not time that we had these figures? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police are confiscating machines which are found on non-club premises, thereby demonstrating a direct wastage of dollars? Furthermore, even the provision of a law which enables these machines to be put into clubs is being got round, within the knowledge of hon. Members, by contractors leasing these machines to clubs. Is not this the sort of thing which ought to be the subject of futher investigation by the Department?

Mr. Erroll

This Question relates only to statistics. We will certainly consider the matter, but I should point out that it is very difficult to define a gambling machine as such for statistical purposes, whatever statistics may come out of the machine. Nor would it be correct to assume that these gambling machines are paid for in dollars, as suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Rankin

What steps, if any, are taken to prevent children of school age using these machines?

Mr. Erroll

That is not the responsibility of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Rankin

Rubbish.