§ 44. Mr. GREENEasked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that the present position of the law with regard to lotteries entails loss to recognised charities such as hospitals, he will consider the revision of the law to the effect that those desiring to promote lotteries may apply to some authority, later to be designated, for permission to promote such lotteries under conditions, later to be laid down, such as that a certain percentage of the moneys to be received should be distributed to approved charities?
§ Mr. CLYNESProposals of this kind have been considered from time to time, and I recall that in 1918 a scheme was before this House, but, though confined to registered War charities, was rejected by a small majority. I am not, as at present advised, prepared to take the initiative in reopening the question.
§ Mr. GREENEWould not the suggestion contained in the question do away with the infringement of the law, while at the same time saving the hospitals and other charities?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe wealth of suggestions on this subject indicates a very great variety and difference of opinion, and I cannot at present add anything to my answer.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the loss to charities through the abandonment of the Stock Exchange Sweepstake?