HC Deb 20 November 1963 vol 684 cc976-7
25. Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the growing concern that private social clubs for the purposes of gaming may be established without requiring the consent of the licensing authority or the local inhabitants of the area involved; and if he will introduce amending legislation to deal with this situation.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Michael Noble)

I have received a number of representations and am considering them.

Mr. Baxter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we would like him to consider this matter very urgently, in view of the fact that private gambling clubs such as are being established in the town of Bridge of Allan can be opened irrespective of the wishes of the inhabitants of thelocality? Is he aware that the consent of the local licensing authority is required before a betting office is established in the locality, and that even a charity draw has to be registered with the local authority? Under those circumstances, in view of the feelings that exist locally about these matters, will the right hon. Gentleman show his interest in democracy by giving power to the local authority to grant or reject such applications?

Mr. Noble

This is a serious problem, and I am not saying that some control is out of the question. In the case to which the hon. Member refers, concerning Bridge of Allan, my decision was reached after careful consideration of the reporter's recommendation and all relevant circumstances. But in determining a. planning appeal I must be careful not to use my planning powers to circumvent the provisions of other legislation passed by this House.

Mr. Baxter

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that it was the unanimous decision of the planning authority for this area that the application should be turned down, and that the Minister's overriding of that decision has gone against the judgment of the local inhabitants of Bridge of Allan?

Mr. Noble

The hon. Member is not quite clear about my answer. The point is that I was using my powers under the Planning Acts, and in such cases I cannot take into consideration views expressed by however many people on some other matter.

Mr. Ross

Surely that was exactly the local planning authority's interpretation of its powers. We sincerely hope that the Secretary of State will confine his "live-it-up" prejudices to his own area.

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