§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether he is aware that a large quantity of literature relating to a lottery in connection with the Dominican bazaar, Wicklow, is now passing through the post, accompanied by a circular from the prioress of the Dominican convent, addressed to the foreman of works, offering a commission of 1s. on every ten tickets disposed of, together 18 with a complimentary ticket; whether such literature is passing through the post with his cognisance; and (2) whether large quantities of literature are now passing through the post relating to a lottery for prizes to the value of £2,000 for the purpose of providing a new church of St. Patrick, for Ringsend, Dublin; whether such lottery is stated to be under the patronage of, amongst others, several Members of this House; whether he proposes to follow the example of his predecessor and allow lottery circulars to pass through the post, provided they relate to religious objects; and, if so, whether the Postmaster-General will prohibit the delivery of such circulars when addressed to the junior clerk at commercial offices, or the foreman at industrial works?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I am aware of the circumstances described in the hon. Member's questions. It is the general practice of the Post Office to stop packets observed to contain lottery circulars. In the instances quoted the authorities responsible for the execution of the law regard the drawings as not being within the mischief aimed at by the Lotteries Acts, and consider them permissible. In such cases the Post Office does not intervene. The practice, however, of addressing such packets in the manner indicated by the hon. Member is open to serious objection, and I understand that the Irish Government are taking steps with a view to its cessation.