HC Deb 03 December 1970 vol 807 c1440
5. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he will take to control private clubs in London and other major towns and cities.

Mr. Carlisle

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present for further legislation on this subject.

Mr. Hamling

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the tourist industry is of great benefit to this nation and that an awful lot of tourists are taken in by the confidence tricksters and thieves who run a lot of night spots in London and the other major cities?

Mr. Carlisle

If the hon. Gentleman is referring to what are often known as "clip joints", all I can say is that, of course, I am aware that complaints are made from time to time about the extortionate charges being made, but with respect I do not feel that this is necessarily a matter wholly for the law. It is a question of the exercise of the proper degree of caution by the individual who goes into them.