HC Deb 02 December 1942 vol 385 cc1172-3W
Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with police club raids on the Bees Club, Grosvenor Street, and the United Hunt Club, Upper Grosvenor Street; how many people were arrested; how many were women; whether any of them belong to the Forces; and how many were of military age?

Mr. Peake

These clubs were entered by the Police on 20th November. Thirty-three persons, including 15 women, were arrested and charged with offences under the Gaming Acts. One of the men was in the Armed Forces, and six of the others were of military age. Twenty-five of the defendants were bound over by the Court, but the charges against the principals have not yet been disposed of.

Mr. Thorne

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give any information in connection with the police raid made on the Soho Club on Monday night, 23rd November; what was the reason for the raid; and how many men and women were in the club at the time of the raid?

Mr. H. Morrison

This registered club, known as the Hotel and Restaurant Club, was entered and searched on 23rd November by the police by virtue of a warrant which was granted, in accordance with Section 96 of the Licensing Act, 1910, after a magistrate had been satisfied by information on oath that there was reasonable ground for supposing that the club was so managed or carried on as to constitute a ground for striking it off the register, one of such grounds being the illegal sale of liquor. The question of proceedings is under consideration. The total number of persons present, including officials of the club, was 30–19 men and 11 women.