§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postal authorities refuse to allow newspapers containing records of premium bonds for redemption to pass through the post on the ground that the system of premium bonds amounts to a lottery; whether it has been explained to the Department that in nearly all instances the bonds which have been sold in this country bear interest and are sound investments, and that even where no interest is paid all genuine bonds must eventually be redeemed, the issue being thus wholly distinct from a lottery; and whether, in view of the hardship to many thousands of people in this country who have bought such bonds and who are now prevented from learning whether they are drawn for redemption or not, apart from any question of premiums, he can see his way to modify the restriction?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt has been judicially held that the so-called "premium bonds" are within the Lottery Acts, and the procedure of the Post Office must follow the decision of the courts.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to apply the same principle to all bonds redeemable at a premium—for example, to the Brazilian Four per Cents, recently issued by the Rothschilds?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt depends entirely upon a legal decision given on the subject. The Postmaster-General cannot undertake himself to discriminate. It must follow the decisions of the courts.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo, Sir; not further than the courts have gone, so far as I am aware.