HC Deb 19 May 1960 vol 623 cc1463-4
15. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the association between the crime wave and undesirable clubs in the London area, he will expedite legislation for the better control of such clubs.

Mr. Vosper

Consultations are proceeding with a view to introducing legislation to amend the law about registered clubs as soon as practicable.

Mr. Lipton

That is a very vague Answer which we have had before. Is not the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the club problem is becoming an outrageous scandal? Would it not help to check these breeding grounds of crime and corruption if a short Measure were introduced quite quickly so that the police had the right to go before the local magistrates and oppose a club's application for a 5s. registration and were given the right of entry such as they have in respect of public houses? Has not the time come to take effective and immediate action?

Mr. Vosper

I do not think that that would be a complete solution to the problem which we have in mind. On Tuesday my right hon. Friend received a London County Council deputation upon this subject. The hon. Gentleman must know that consultations are proceeding rapidly and we are anxious to reach an early solution.