§ 44. Mr. Garrowasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now introduce legislation in order that unlicensed clubs may be brought under proper police supervision.
§ Mr. WillisIt would be difficult to justify making all clubs subject to police supervision; but, as I explained on 14th April, the operation of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1963, in its application to gaming clubs is under review.
§ Mr. GarrowIs my hon. Friend aware that in Glasgow and other major cities of Scotland, in addition to gaming clubs, there are many clubs springing up, in attics and basements, which present a fire hazard to the general public? Is my hon. Friend further aware that the police and the fire service in Glasgow have expressed great concern about the upsurge of these clubs? Will he give the House an assurance that he will give further consideration to this matter?
§ Mr. WillisI am aware of these facts and, as I pointed out on 14th April, we are preparing fire legislation which will be introduced whenever it is possible to do so. The wider issues such as the question of interfering with social clubs are very complex, but these are also under consideration.