HC Deb 08 December 1902 vol 116 cc211-2
COLONEL WELBY () Taunton

To ask the Postmaster General whether he can see his way to prosecute senders of betting and lottery circulars in closed envelopes, if persons in official positions certify or state on oath that they have so received them.

(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.)

The sending of lottery circulars through the post is not an offence against Post Office Regulations but against the lottery Acts. The Postmaster General is not the proper person to enforce the provisions of the Lottery Acts, but I shall, of course, be happy to give any assistance in my power to the proper authorities in any action which they may think it right to take. As to betting circulars, I am advised that I have not at present any authority to stop them.

COLONEL WELBY

To ask the Postmaster General whether, to prevent instituting inquiries into the contents of closed letters, he will issue a regulation requiring the name and address of those presenting letters for repayment, as in the case of those transmitting money by post office order.

(Ansicered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The course which the hon. and gallant Member advocates is already followed.