§ Mr. NORMAN CRAIGasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that from time to time letters are delivered through the Post Office offering tickets in lotteries conducted in foreign countries, and frequently by more than doubtful methods; and whether any and what supervision is exercised by the postal authorities to provide against public revenue being obtained in exchange for the service of distributing documents of the character named?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)As is stated in the "Post Office Guide," the transmission by post of letters containing any advertisement or ticket relating to a lottery at home or abroad is prohibited, and this prohibition is enforced by my officers wherever possible. But where advertisements or tickets are sent in closed covers my officers are not empowered to open them, even if they should be in a position to suspect the nature of their contents, and they cannot therefore be stopped.
§ Mr. FRANCECan the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to protect Members of this House from the annoyance of correspondence suggesting that they are in need of sums ranging from £5 up to £5,000?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am sure those circulars are not necessary, but I have no power to open them, and therefore I cannot stop them.