§ 1. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for bookmakers' permits and betting agency permits have now been received by justices; how many have been granted and how many refused; and whether he is satisfied with the progress of this new procedure.
§ 6. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many bookmakers' licences and betting office permits had been granted at 1st May, 1961.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Dennis Vosper)I would refer to the Answer given on 15th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Dance).
§ Mr. DigbyCan my right hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in the allegations that some of these permits have been unreasonably refused, or is that not the case?
§ Mr. VosperSuch inquiries as I have been able to make suggest that the scheme is working smoothly. There have been difficulties in occasional places, but they have been only very few.
§ Mr. ChetwyndHas not the right hon. Gentleman called for a return of these figures and can he say when the evidence will be available? Can he also explain how it is that the Secretary of State for Scotland is already able to give these figures while we are lagging behind? Can he say what is the impact on the general pattern of betting?
§ Mr. VosperI should need notice of the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. With regard to the first part, our licensing period ended on 31st May and licensing authorities have been asked to send in their returns by 31st July.