§ Mr. Albert Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the growth of illegal betting clubs which do not pay any permit fees, levies or duties and 43W which are not subject to the controls contained in the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1963; and if he will seek to amend the law to end these abuses.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganMy right hon. Friend has received some complaints of illegal betting in clubs, but he has no reason to believe that it is widespread. The nature of the offence is made perfectly clear in section 1 of the 1963 Act and, while detection may often be difficult, I do not see how amendment of the Act could help to check this abuse.