HC Deb 25 July 1968 vol 769 cc168-9W
61. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that he will not propose an extension of the closing hour of betting offices until the House has had an opportunity to debate this matter.

Mr. Ennals

The hours of opening of betting offices can be changed only by statutory instrument subject to negative resolution procedure. My right hon. Friend has no change in contemplation.

62. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he proposes to make in the existing law regarding the operation of betting offices to prevent continuous betting being carried on in such offices, in view of the growth in this type of betting since the enactment of the Betting and Gaming Act, 1960.

63. Mr. Temple

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce amending legislation to ensure that continuous betting will not take place in licensed betting offices.

Mr. Ennals

My right hon. Friend has no proposals in mind for legislation on this matter.