HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc573-4W
Mr. Naylor

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the frequency of prosecutions against clubs and parties formed for drinking and gambling purposes, and of the demands thus made on the police force in connection therewith, he will introduce a short Bill, or make an Order imposing upon the person letting, leasing, or selling premises or rooms to be used as clubs or for parties, the responsibility, subject to penalties for failure to comply, for making the fullest inquiries and taking up references, before letting, leasing or selling such property?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am most anxious that effective action shall be taken to check evasions of the licensing law and the law relating to gambling, and as regards certain types of drinking resorts the hands of the police have already been strengthened by Defence Regulations. Whether further amendments of the laws are desirable and practicable is a question of considerable difficulty on which I can only say at present that I am giving the matter close attention.