Earl of Dalkeith:

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licensed gaming clubs there were in Scotland on 1st January, 1964, 1965 and 1966, respectively.

It is thought that there are about 50 clubs in Scotland with the sole or main purpose of gaming; I am not aware of any substantial change in the number in the last year or two.

Earl of Dalkeith:

Is the right hon. Gentleman wholly satisfied that the police and fire services have adequate powers of entry into and supervision of these clubs to ensure the protection of the public?

Yes, indeed. These matters are very much concerning my Department at present. There is a misconception in the Question which refers to licensed gaming clubs. The trouble is that they do not require a licence and have not needed a licence since right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite passed the 1960 Act.