HC Deb 13 April 1920 vol 127 cc1509-10
Mr. LYLE

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Home Affairs if he will define the policy of his Department with regard to ballots, lotteries, sweepstakes and kindred competitions; whether it is the practice to warn such undertakings directly they are brought to the notice of the police; and why, if that is the case, no action was taken in respect to the Golden Ballot till the draw was concluded and the posters had appeared on the public hoardings for months; whether he is aware that in India the Government has specially sanctioned the Pearl Necklace Lottery promoted in con- nection with the Children's Welfare Exhibition, and in what respect this differs from the Golden Ballot?

Mr. SHORTT

The policy of the Department with regard to lotteries of all sorts is to enforce the law. It is the practice of the police to warn the promoters of such undertakings as soon as they are brought to their notice. In the case of the Golden Ballot, the promoters claimed that they were acting on legal advice, and that the prizes would be distributed in such a way as not to contravene the law. Later, when it appeared that the Golden Ballot was in fact a mere lottery, the Attorney-General advised that there should be a prosecution, and proceedings were taken accordingly. I do not know what precisely' is the law in India on this subject, or what action the Indian Government have taken. As the hon. Member is aware, this House refused to allow any alteration in the law for the benefit of War charities.

Mr. LYLE

Is it not a fact that lotteries and raffles are constantly held by churches and chapels, and, if the blind eye is turned to them, why not to other objects equally worthy, such as hospitals and so forth?

Mr. SHORTT

The law is successfully broken, no doubt, very often.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is it not the fact that the question is sub judice, and why, therefore, does the right hon. Gentleman describe it as a fact that it is a lottery?

Mr. SHORTT

I said that as soon as it appeared to be a lottery the Attorney-General's advice was taken on it.

Major BARNETT

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the approaching lottery in connection with Victory Bonds?