§ 3. Dr. Millerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to enable him to grant to local authorities the power to establish municipal casinos, with a view to exercising a proper control over this form of gambling.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. George Thomas)No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not propose to introduce legislation for this purpose.
§ Dr. MillerIs my hon. Friend aware that the real object of legislation of this kind is to exercise a proper control over this form of gambling? Would not my hon. Friend agree that it is a sad commentary on a hundred years of social progress that we have moved from laissez faire to chemin de fer? Is my hon. Friend further aware that when the history of this era, this age, is read, it will be known as the "B.B.C. age"—bingo, betting and casinos?
§ Mr. ThomasI do not understand the reference which my hon. Friend has made. Maybe he will explain it to me. He will be aware that an extension such as he asks for would cause great offence to a great many ratepayers who would have to pay for something to which they took the strongest exception.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt all goes to show that we should maintain our rule that the House should be addressed in English.