HC Deb 04 August 1966 vol 733 cc663-4
14. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek powers to exercise stricter control over gaming clubs.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I shall shortly be circulating provisional proposals for amending legislation to the various bodies concerned and inviting their comments.

Mr. Hamling

Would my right hon. Friend also consider the vast amount of money which changes hands in these clubs and try to find out from where it comes?

Mr. Jenkins

I shall be considering all these aspects of the matter with a view to introducing amending legislation, which I believe is necessary.

Mr. Hogg

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this is a matter which interests a great number of hon. Members on both sides of the House? Will he give hon. Members an opportunity to know at least in general the nature of the proposals he is about to circulate?

Mr. Jenkins

I will look at that, because I am anxious that there should be as wide a climate of informed opinion on this matter as possible.

Mr. Bagier

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a strong fear that some of the worst elements of American protection racketeers have been attracted to this country because of the tremendous pickings? We look forward to and hope that the amending legislation will bear this in mind.

Mr. Jenkins

I shall bear all aspects, including this one, in mind.