§ 25. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the circulars sent out by the Turf Fool Syndicate represented their lottery to be what it was not; that they have not paid the prize money which was guaranteed; and whether there is any method by which the Post Office can interfere with the circulation of fraudulent circulars?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)I am aware that the good faith of the Turf Pool Syndicate has been questioned in the Press, but I have no official information on the subject. In practice, the Post Office has no means of stopping circulars alleged to be fraudulent.
§ Mr. HOGGEIn view of the fact that nearly all the lotteries in Switzerland are frauds, is not the Postmaster-General entitled to make some inquiry about them before he carries their circulars?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI indicated in a statement I made in this House some time ago that I wished I had greater powers than I have, but failing the acquisition of these powers, I cannot go beyond the position I have taken up.
§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTWill the right hon. Gentleman ask for legislative powers?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI must have notice of that question.
§ 26. Mr. JAMES HOGGEasked the Postmaster-General what objection he offers to the Post Office refusing to post outwards to addresses abroad communications which would be illegal if posted in this country?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI understand my hon. Friend to inquire whether the Post Office objects to the stoppage in the post in this country of communications addressed to a business carried on abroad, which, if carried on at home, would be illegal. If so, the answer is that the Post Office is not at present empowered to stop such communications, but, as I stated in my speech on the Post Office Estimate, the question of obtaining such power is under consideration.