LORD HAWKEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1964 has had most unwelcome and unexpected results in the proliferation of gambling establishments all over the country; and whether they will bring forward the amending legislation required to put an end to this abuse and bring the situation into line with the expectations held by Parliament when they passed the Act.]
§ LORD STONHAMMy Lords, the Government are aware that the provisions on gaming originally enacted in the Betting and Gaming Act 1960, and now consolidated in the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, have not secured the object intended; namely, to prevent the commercial exploitation of gaming for high stakes. They are accordingly reviewing the operation and objects of the law.