HC Deb 17 June 1964 vol 696 cc1271-3
22. Mr. Willis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Edinburgh Corporation concerning gambling clubs and the giving to local authorities of powers of licensing and inspection; and what action he proposes to take to limit their unrestricted growth and to ensure that adequate safeguards against fire and other dangers are enforced.

Mr. Noble

The Edinburgh magistrates have recently suggested to me that local authorities should have some control over gaming clubs and other clubs providing entertainment in order to prevent the use of premises which are insanitary or unsafe in case of fire.

The Government intend to introduce comprehensive fire prevention legislation, which will cover club premises. Sufficient powers already exist to deal with insanitary premises.

As regards control of gaming, I am not convinced that the time is ripe to amend the recent Betting and Gaming Acts.

Mr. Willis

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while we are glad to know that he is going to do something about these dangers arising from fire, all the other matters concerning these clubs are of great moment to most of the local authorities in Scotland, and that there is widespread anxiety among ordinary people about the manner in which these clubs are springing up here, there and everywhere? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has come when he ought either to license them or to do something about them? Is it not rather absurd that a betting shop has to have a licence, but that one can open a gambling club without any controls at all?

Mr. Noble

As I think I have said to the House before, it may well be that some legislation or some new control may be necessary. I do not think that the evidence is sufficiently clear on this, but if new legislation was required a good deal of consultation would have to take place with the local authorities and others concerned.

Commander Donaldson

But is not my right hon. Friend aware that there has been concern about this problem not only in Edinburgh but in other parts of Scotland for a considerable time? The South-East Regional Fire Board, of which I have some knowledge, is very concerned about this. What steps, if any, can my right hon. Friend take in the meantime to see that people who frequent these clubs are protected against the fire risks which are so worrying to the fire authorities?

Mr. Noble

Apart from the legislation which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has announced to the House, I understand that Edinburgh Corporation itself is at the moment preparing a provisional order which will enable it to require adequate fire precautions to be taken.

Mr. Ross

Will the right hon. Gentleman give more thought to this matter and reconsider his whole attitude? Is he aware that, quite apart from the fire risks involved, many people in Scotland are concerned about this whole question of the unrestricted growth of these gaming houses? Will he, for instance, look at the debate of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in this respect? This is not purely an Edinburgh matter, but something which is affecting the life and attitude of the whole of Scotland.

Mr. Noble

I am well aware of the feelings often expressed—well and clearly—by sections in Scotland about gambling.