HC Deb 12 August 1879 vol 249 cc814-5
MR. HOLT

asked Mr. Attorney General, Whether, in the present state of the Law, it is open to any individual to institute proceedings to recover penalties from persons engaged in promoting illegal lotteries in the United Kingdom, or such proceedings can only be originated by himself; and, if so, whether he is aware that the Law is frequently and openly violated in this particular?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir JOHN HOLKER)

Proceedings to recover penalties from persons engaged in illegal lotteries must be taken in the name of the Attorney or Solicitor General. It seems, however, that it is open to anyone, on obtaining the leave of the Law Officers, to prosecute the keeper of a lottery as a rogue and vagabond. See "Youdon v. Crooks," 22, Justice of the Peace, 287. In answer to the last part of the Question, I have to say that I believe the letter of the statute against lotteries and "little goes" is sometimes infringed by persons holding bazaars, or endeavouring by other means to raise money for charitable objects; but I am not aware that the law is frequently violated by other persons,