HC Deb 02 March 1978 vol 945 cc652-3
15. Mr. McCrindle

asked 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. Summerskill

No, 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. McCrindle

Did 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. Summerskill

I 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 Tuck

Does 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. Summerskill

That is another extremely important matter on which the Royal Commission will be reporting.

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