§ 90. Sir J. Duncanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Secretary of State for Scotland, to review the law relating to clubs.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI am consulting representatives of registered clubs about possible amendments of the law in England and Wales. The law in Scotland is different, but I am keeping my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, in touch with my consultations.
§ 94. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has in mind to amend the law relating to clubs, and to ensure fairness of treatment between clubs and public houses; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI understand that my hon. Friend is concerned at the proposal in Clause 10 of the Betting and Gaming Bill to permit gaming, subject to conditions, in clubs. The Bill does not propose to alter the existing position under which gaming is prohibited in licensed premises. The question whether gaming should be permitted in premises like licensed premises to which the public have access raises different considerations from those relating to gaming in clubs.