§ 15. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to introduce legislation on any of the proposals in the Home Office Research Unit paper on gambling.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. This report does not make specific policy recommendations, but we shall take account of its contents when considering the forthcoming report of the Royal Commission on Gambling.
§ Mr. McCrindleDid not the report indicate that too little is know about gambling and its effects? In these circumstances, does the hon. Lady think that there would be any merit in a close monitoring of the results of the newest form of gambling—namely, local authority lotteries, which have been recently introduced—with a view to having the sort of information upon which to base future policy?
§ Dr. SummerskillI feel sure that the Royal Commission on Gambling, which will report later this year, will include its comments on the matter that the hon. Gentleman has raised.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckDoes my hon. Friend think that we are being a little hypocritical by allowing bingo, betting shops, premium bends and football pools but not allowing a State lottery, which could do an enormous amount of good?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is another extremely important matter on which the Royal Commission will be reporting.