§ The following question appeared on the Paper in the name of Mr. GINNELL: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has taken any steps to acquire and confiscate for the service of the State the £30,000 subscribed for Patrick O'Brien's great omnibus or combination sweep, the £10,000 subscribed for Patrick O'Brien's John Bull football cup sweep, and the £10,000 subscribed for the John Bull Derby sweep; and what action he proposes to take with reference to this money and the methods by which it has been collected?
§ Mr. GINNELLSince this question appeared on the Paper, a material Clause has been dropped out. I beg to ask the remainder of it of the Attorney-General.
§ Sir E. CARSONThe question of the administration or return to the subscribers of the moneys mentioned in the question is the subject of an action in the Chancery Division of the High Court and is still sub judice. I cannot, therefore, make any statement upon the matter.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether it was on his instance that the Clause was dropped out since it first appeared on the Paper; and, if so, for what cause?
§ Sir E. CARSONI never heard of it.
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf the hon. Member would like to know, I ordered it to be struck out. It dealt with a matter which is now being litigated very much to the disadvantage, of the gentleman who was named, and as I think very improperly named, before any decision of the Court has been arrived at in the matter.
§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENAs I have been receiving letters from sporting people in England asking me if I had any connection with this fraud, and if I could recommend them to put their money into it, I desire to say that I have no connection whatever with it.