§ 51. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement with regard to Government policy towards gaming and the Gaming Board.
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§ Mr. CarlisleThe Government approve, and intend to maintain, the general system of control established by the Gaming Act, 1968, in which the Gaming Board has a crucial rôle. There are a number of matters relating to the detailed exercise of the controls about which I have received representations. My right hon. Friend is consulting the Board about them, but is not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ 57. Dr. Gilbertasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make an order under Section 40(2) of the Gaming Act, 1968 to permit clubs engaged in offering low-powered gaming to charge a daily entrance fee of 1s. per person.
§ Mr. CarlisleYes. My right hon. Friend proposes to make an order to increase from 6d. to 1s. the sum prescribed in Section 40(2) of the Gaming Act, 1968. This increase will have effect from 1st January, 1971.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland asks me to say that he proposes to take similar action.
§ 58. Mr. Matherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now seek to amend the Gaming Act in favour of small bridge clubs.
§ Mr. CarlisleI cannot at present add anything to the Reply given to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Eastbourne (Sir C. Taylor) on 23rd July.—[Vol. 804, c.186.]