§ Sir A. WILSONasked the Home Secretary whether in view of the rapid increase of commons and private open spaces dedicated to public enjoyment or to which the public have legal access, and in view of the increasing number of police prosecutions for card playing in such places, he will arrange for local authorities and railway companies to put up in all public places and railway carriages 1311W notices warning all concerned that persons playing cards for money in such places are deemed rogues and vagabonds and as such are liable to be convicted and punished under the Vagrancy Act, 1824?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe latest available statistics do not support the suggestion that there has been an increase in proceedings for this type of offence. In the 10 years from 1920 to 1929 the annual average was 16,200, while in the year 1932 the figure was 7,783. I am not aware of any special reason for drawing attention to this particular offence as distinct from others which it may be possible to commit in such places.