HC Deb 25 July 1968 vol 769 cc983-4
59. Mr. Kitson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce the name of the Chairman of the Gaming Board.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Ennals)

On behalf of my right hon. Friend, I want to express an apology to the hon. Gentleman and to the House for the absence of Home Office Ministers at the time when this Question was reached. The following is the answer to the Question.

My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement shortly.

Mr. Kitson

Would the hon. Member suggest to his right hon. Friend that before he makes up his mind he should not overlook the claims of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Rossendale (Mr. Greenwood)?

Mr. Ennals

I will bring to the attention of my right hon. Friend the hon. Gentleman's considerations, but I can assure him, he has the matter very well in mind.

Mr. Hogg

Passing over that supplementary, could the hon. Gentleman pass on to his right hon. Friend that this matter is becoming increasingly urgent? He will have seen the reports of cases in the courts today and yesterday. The situation is rapidly becoming intolerable.

Mr. Ennals

My right hon. Friend is aware of the importance of making an announcement. As I said in my original reply, he hopes it will be soon.

Mr. Murray

Is my hon. Friend aware that there was a great deal of discussion on the Chairmanship of this Board in Committee on the Bill? Could he give further information to the House as to what sort of person my right hon. Friend is looking for for this job? Is he thinking of a judge or someone from the gaming world?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Questions must be brief.

Mr. Murray

Is my hon. Friend aware of the possibility of appointing a Member of Parliament who would then be disqualified from sitting in the House? Is he aware that there are half a dozen names I could give him?