§ 40. Mr. Mawbyasked the Attorney-General what instructions he has given to the Director of Public Prosecutions following the appeal court decision of 29th January on gaming.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNone, Sir. This decision by the Court of Appeal does not call for any instructions to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was in no way concerned with the case. I understand that, in accordance with an undertaking given during the hearing, the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police has now sent to the Director a number of reports on cases investigated by the police. These are now being examined by the Director.
§ Mr. MawbyI am grateful to the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply. Is he aware, however, as long as there is a great amount of uncertainty, it is possible that a number of well-run clubs may founder and crooks take over? Will he ask his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to go ahead as fast as possible with the Gaming Bill so that the whole position can at least be clarified?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI will certainly pass on the hon. Member's suggestion to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonWill my right hon. and learned Friend also pass on to the Home Secretary the suggestion that the gaming law is now in such a state of confusion that it is, perhaps, time for an independent committee again to consider the position and decide whether the Gaming Act as originally drafted is adequate to deal with the present situation?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is, I think, a great deal of concern about the operations of the Gaming Act, and I again will see that my hon. Friend's suggestion is communicated to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.