§ 11. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the decision in the case of Howgate v. Ralph with regard to the illegality of tea-bonus schemes; and whether he is now taking any steps to put an end to these schemes?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have seen Press reports and I have no doubt that the police will have noted the decision and will be encouraged to take proceedings where they think that course desirable. The matter is not one for direct action by me.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the decision of the Lord Chief Justice and two other Judges that these were lotteries, and, in view of the great reduction in the price of tea, can he see his way to warn chief constables that these schemes are lotteries and ought to be stopped?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will consider whether I can include in police orders a notice to that effect.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWill the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the fact that 90 per cent. of the people defrauded by these schemes are very poor people?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI quite agree; and this decision is of great importance.
§ Mr. HAYESIs not this a matter which should be taken up by the Director of Public Prosecutions in order to secure a common policy in the matter of prosecutions?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI will consider that matter.