HC Deb 04 March 1964 vol 690 cc237-8W
Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has of the extent to which, since the passing of the Betting and Gaming Act, there has been an increase in illegal betting with street bookmakers and runners, after the legal closing hour of betting shops, on evening horse-racing and greyhound racing.

Mr. Woodhouse

I have no evidence of any increase, since the Betting and Gaming Act was passed, of street betting offences committed after the hour fixed for the closing of betting shops.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the number of successful prosecutions in the Metropolitan Police area of bookmakers and runners charged with taking part in illegal betting in London after the normal closing hours of betting shops, on racing taking place after 6.30 p.m. at horse-racing and greyhound racing tracks.

Mr. Woodhouse

In 1962 and 1963 there were five convictions in the Metropolitan Police District for street betting offences committed after 6.30 p.m., but it is not possible to say from the records whether these offences concerned betting on evening racing.