§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him by the Clubs and Institutes Union on the subject of police inquiries following applications for gaming machines licences; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganThe Club and Institute Union has made representations that, in connection with the registration of clubs under Part III of the Gaming Act, 1968, the police are making inquiries concerning matters other than the grounds on which registration may be refused, and has asked my right hon. Friend to issue advice to chief officers of police with a view to limiting these inquiries. The Union has been informed that the police are entitled to make such inquiries as they consider necessary for the proper enforcement of the law, both in relation to gaming and generally, and that my right hon. Friend has no authority to advise chief officers of police how they should discharge their responsibilities. Clubs have nothing to fear from co-operating with the police.