§ MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to a paragraph which appeared in The Daily News of the 14th instant, relative to the opening of the proposed Winter Exhibition at Olympia, wherein it is stated that—
A monster Christmas tree will be erected in the hall, laden with toys and dainties of all kinds. To obtain the chances of a prize, tickets will be sold at 1d. each. These will be numbered and drawn for. One of these prizes will be a £5 Bank of England note;and, whether such lottery is illegal; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent its taking place?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have seen the paragraph in The Daily News. I have obtained from the manager a prospectus of the proposed Exhibition, from which it appears that every person paying for admission is presented gratis with a ticket; and he states that he has taken counsel's opinion, and is advised 1829 that there is nothing illegal in the proposed Christmas tree. The manager will be cautioned by the police that he will be held responsible for any illegal act in connection with this Exhibition.