HUNTINGDON AND PETERBOROUGH (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1965 (Hansard, 22 December 1965)

§ LORD MITCHISON
My Lords, perhaps I can be concise about this matter. Huntingdon had a greyhound racing track and Peterborough had another greyhound racing track, and so long as they were two counties they could each have separate betting days and even separate special betting days under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963. They have now been amalgamated, with the result that where there were two licensing districts there is now only one. Accordingly, a special Order is required to allow these two greyhound racing tracks to preserve the measure of separation in the matter of their betting clays that they have hitherto enjoyed. The Order is made under a provision in general terms, Section 38 of the Local Government Act, and my right honourable friend is advised that he has power to do it in this way. Indeed, there was a somewhat similar provision—a provision, that is, practically amending a Statute in a small particular —in the West Midlands Order which your Lordships passed the other day. I beg to move that the Order be approved.

§ LORD HASTINGS
My Lords, I see that the Special Orders Committee said that in their opinion this Order raises an important question of policy and principle and that it cannot be passed by the House without special attention. I think that the Parliamentary Secretary has given it the special attention it requires and I do not propose to pay any more attention to it.

§ LORD DERWENT
My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord, because I have also read the Order, if he understands it?

§ LORD MITCHISON
My Lords, I am not to be tempted. Sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 4 of the Order is the operative sub-paragraph, and I can only say that a fruitier instance of choctaw for bookies I have never met.