§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to recent cases where fruit machines have been so rigged that the player cannot possibly win; and whether he will introduce legislation to see that any person responsible for this form of swindle shall be given imprisonment without the option of a fine?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonYes, Sir. In a number of cases it has been found that these machines have been altered so as to make the winning of the highest prizes less likely or impossible. The law relating to obtaining money by false pretences authorises heavy penalties for this offence and the difficulty which is experienced in proving who is responsible for so altering a machine would not be lessened by any new legislation. The police will continue to give vigilant attention to this matter and it is right that public attention be drawn to the fact that these machines are not only illegal under the Gaming Act but provide many opportunities for swindling persons who put money into them.