FREE SPEECH
Sunday Sports Bill — Wednesday, 15 July Lord Wyatt of Weeford: People are seldom more innocently occupied than in placing bets on horses. Those in- terested in the outcome of racing or any other Sunday sport can bet with com- plete legality by telephone on a Sunday if they have a credit account. But there is a nannying restriction left, directed mainly at the less rich sections of the community. These are people who may not have easy access to a telephone or who do not bet enough to make a credit account worth while.
Opening a few licensed betting offices would not detract from the spirit of Sunday. Their positions, regulated by magistrates, are well apart from each other. Nor are they the dingy dens filled with evil-looking Damon Runyon char- acters which many imagine them to be. . . I recommend any of your Lordships who doubt this to visit the Tote betting shop in Margaret Street. There you will find courteous staff in attractive uni- forms and customers happily pursuing their inexpensive pastime.
Lord Mischcon: My Lords, I interrupt only on a point of order. Is advertising permitted in your Lordships' House?
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