Gaming (Amendment) Bill [H.L.] (Hansard, 27 February 1986)

§ Lord Kilbracken
My Lords, I am glad to see that my point has been taken. The amendment tabled by the noble Lord is certainly no less effective than was mine. However, on a point of grammar, and since the noble Lord the Minister suggested that my amendment might not have been completely grammatical, I would point out that in the phrase, in whole- or in part-exchange the two hyphens should be deleted in order to conform with the usage when the same phrase occurs in the next 1173 paragraph. However, I feel sure that that can be done informally without having to put down another amendment.

§ Lord Harris of Greenwich
My Lords, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
There are now two things which I must say. I think that on an occasion such as this it is right to express the regret that many of us feel at the lamented death of the chairman of the Gaming Board, Sir Anthony Rawlinson, which occurred a few days ago. A number of us who worked with Sir Anthony at the Treasury and knew him well agree that he was a civil servant of the highest ability. It is much to be regretted that his death has been so untimely.
As regards this Bill, perhaps I may briefly say that I should like to express my thanks to the noble Viscount, to the many officials at the Home Office who have been involved with this Bill, and indeed to all those in your Lordships' House who have spoken on this question. The Bill arises from the recommendation of the Royal Commission presided over by the noble Lord, Lord Rothschild, and it has received all-party support. I hope very much that it will soon be on the statute book. I beg to move.

§ Baroness Ewart-Biggs
My Lords, I should like to associate myself with what the noble Lord, Lord Harris, has said on regret at the untimely death of Sir Anthony Rawlinson. I should also like to say what a very great source of personal interest this short Bill has been and what a very useful purpose it seems to have served. This measure will rectify an anomaly which was pointed out by the Royal Commission, chaired by the noble Lord, Lord Rothschild. The anomaly has now been put right, and I cannot help feeling that it will be very much to the benefit of the parties concerned, both those who play in casinos and those who run them.

§ Viscount Davidson
My Lords, I agree that we should not let this occasion pass without paying tribute to Sir Anthony Rawlinson. Sir Anthony had served as chairman of the Gaming Board since July, but in that short time he had already displayed an enthusiasm and a commitment to the work which impressed everybody. I know that your Lordships will be greatly saddened by the news of his death.
We are content both with the purpose of the noble Lord's Bill and the drafting of the measure, which has been polished in one or two respects in Committee and today. The Bill allows cheques to be redeemed in casinos, subject to conditions, and we are satisfied that the conditions are adequate to guard against potential abuse. If passed, the Bill will make life a little easier for those running casinos and for players wishing to use cheques. I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Harris of Greenwich, on introducing the measure and on his success so far, and I wish the Bill a smooth passage in another place.