§ MR. FISHER(for Mr. MORGAN HOWARD) (Camberwell, Dulwich)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the following matter:—
A drawing of small prizes was instituted in connection with St. Anthony's Franciscan Church, East Dulwich, to provide a day's country excursion for the poor children of the church schools; the prizes were given by friends, and the tickets distributed;The children had their excursion; but, owing to the interference of the police, who declared the drawing was illegal, and that the money realized by the tickets (£13) could not be retained, the minister of the church has personally to bear the loss;whether he is aware that similar efforts are made every year by various Religious Bodies to raise small funds for like purposes; and, whether he can interfere to protect persons engaged in these charitable undertakings?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)At the beginning of July last the attention of the police was called to the exhibition for sale of tickets for the lottery referred to, and, in accordance with practice, the reverend Gentleman was informed that his action was illegal. All lotteries not authorized by Parliament are illegal under 42 Geo. III., c. 119; and so long as that law is not repealed I cannot properly interfere to protect persons engaged in an act contrary to law, however charitable and deserving of sympathy their motives may be.