§ MR. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at a meeting held in the Holborn Town Hall on Monday, to denounce the Street Betting Bill, and to the fact that one of the speakers threatened that, within five minutes of the passing of the Bill, he would send a betting telegram from the Lobby of this House; and whether he will give instructions to prevent this threat being carried out.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI have not seen the report of the speech of the hon. Member to which the Question refers. I have no power to prevent the hon. Member in question from committing a breach of the law if it amuses him to do so. It would be, I should imagine, for another Department to deal with him.
§ SIR E. CARSON (Dublin University)Do I understand that the Street Betting Bill will apply to telegrams?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONThat I cannot tell you. The Bill is not yet passed.
§ SIR E. CARSONI know that. Otherwise how would an offence be committed if the hon. Member does what is stated?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI did not say so. I said I have no power to prevent the hon. Member committing a breach of law if he desires to do so.
§ SIR E. CARSONBut will it be a breach of law?
§ MR. MACVEAGHDoes the right hon. Gentleman know who is the hon. Member referred to in the Question?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI have not read the report, and I cannot tell.
§ MR. MACVEAGHI can.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Can the right hon. Gentleman say on which side of the House the noble Lord sits?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONThe hon. Member had hotter ask his colleague.
§ MR. BOTTOMLEYAS a matter of fact does the Betting Bill apply to post offices?
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONNot yet.