HC Deb 09 March 1967 vol 742 cc1743-4
30. Mr. Bagier

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many American citizens have been made prohibited immigrants in the last 12 months because of their connection with crime and gambling; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Eight; and I am considering whether similar action should be taken in some other cases.

Mr. Bagier

I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his firm and timely action. Would he confirm that some of those bans were on members of the Cosa Nostra, or the American section of the Mafia? Bearing in mind that we have some thugs of our own in this country—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—I am not referring to right hon. and hon. Members opposite—will my right hon. Friend consider bringing forward legislation in this Session to alter the Betting and Gaming Act? Should he feel that it is not possible to do this, would he consider publishing a White Paper outlining his policies?

Mr. Jenkins

I am anxious to amend the Betting and Gaming Act, 1960, and subsequent attempts at amending it, as soon as I practically can. I do not think that I should add anything to what has been said about the exact affiliations of those concerned. But it is certainly my view that it is reasonable to use the powers which I have to prevent Mafia money from entering into British gaming.

Mr. Hogg

While obviously one cannot comment on any particular decision which the right hon. Gentleman has made on confidential information and which therefore cannot be checked by the Opposition, will he accept it from me that we shall give him all support in any necessary action to keep out undesirable aliens connected with this trade?

Mr. Jenkins

I am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman.