HC Deb 15 March 1888 vol 323 cc1282-3
MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a "Grand bazaar and drawing of prizes" to be held at Swords, County Dublin, on Sunday, the 18th of March, for which lottery tickets have been issued; whether the prizes are— A £20 note, the gift of Sir Thomas II. Grattan Esmonde, M.P.; a fat pig; portraits of the Most Rev. Dr. Walsh and Most Rev. Dr. Croke; a fat sheep; portraits of C. S. Parnell and W. E. Gladstone; a box of foreign cigars; portraits of Cardinal Manning and Cardinal Newman; a beautiful meerschaum pipe; and other articles; whether the law in Ireland is the same as that in England in reference to such lotteries; and, if so, will he call the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the matter; and, what course it is proposed to be taken with regard to the lottery to be held in Swords next Sunday?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)

(who replied) said: I beg to state that the attention of the Government has been called to the matter referred to in the Question of the hon. Gentleman. The law in Ireland is the same as that in England in reference to such lotteries; and the Irish Government will consult their Law Officers as to the steps that should be taken with regard to bazaars such as that referred to.

MR. COBB (Warwick, S.E., Rugby)

asked the Secretary of State to the Homo Department, whether, in consequence of the answers given to Questions on both sides of the House with regard to lotteries in England, steps had been taken with regard to them; and, whether the reference to the Public Prosecutor really meant anything?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

said, the reference to the Public Prosecutor meant that the cases would be dealt with as the law directed. He presumed that the Public Prosecutor would exorcise his judgment as to the expediency of proceeding or not in particular cases. He believed the rule was that when the Public Prosecutor drew attention to the fact of such lotteries being held, the promoters revoked the drawing, and it proceeded no further.

MR. COBB

inquired, whether he was to understand that such lotteries had been stopped, in consequence of the action of the Public Prosecutor?

MR. MATTHEWS

Oh, frequently, Sir. Sometimes the originator of the lottery was unable to return all the subscriptions, because he did not know where to address the subscribers.