HC Deb 11 June 1968 vol 766 cc112-3
Mr. Carlisle

I beg to move Amendment No. 150, in page 2 line 9, leave out ' have effect in relation' and insert 'apply '.

Mr. Speaker

I suggest that with this Amendment the House can also consider Amendment No. 151.

Mr. Carlisle

This was another attempt which I made by an Amendment in Committee to try to simplify the wording of the Bill. It is an effort to delete four words and substitute one word. The Clause, at line 9, states: The preceding subsection shall not have effect in relation to gaming which takes place … and shall not have effect in relation to any gaming where the gaming takes place in a hostel, … It would be far simpler and more understandable English if the words " have effect in relation " on both occasions were omitted, and the word " apply " substituted. The Clause would then read: The preceding subsection shall not apply to gaming … On the other drafting Amendments I moved in Committee the Home Secretary gave an undertaking to look at them, and he has been good enough on Report to bring back Amendments to carry them out. On this occasion he said that he would look at it, but he has not brought back an Amendment of his own, and I hope that he will be willing to accept this Amendment.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

I am sorry that the Government are not able to accommodate the hon. and learned Gentleman. It is just as well to show that there are limits even to the generosity of the Home Office. The Government are, however, grateful to the hon. and learned Gentleman for his efforts to improve the drafting of subsection (2).

Clause 1 says what gaming in Part I applies to. Clause 2(1) refers to gaming to which this Part of this Act applies To refer to a form of gaming to which Part I does apply is merely to cause confusion in the mind of the reader. We are dealing with two quite different concepts, and the two different expressions are not only justified but necessary. The point was raised in Committee, we agreed to consider it and we have done so, but we have come to the conclusion that the Clause is best left as it is.

Mr. Carlisle

In view of the excellent explanation of the Under-Secretary, I ask leave to withdraw the Amendments, and accept that the apparently excessively lengthy drifting is still necessary.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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