33. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTANDOYLEasked the Home Secretary if he will consider the advisability of revising the laws of this country in relation to lotteries for hospitals and other charitable purposes; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary with this object in view?
§ 38. Mr. HANNONasked the Home Secretary if he proposes to introduce legislation to bring the law in this country into harmony with the law of the Irish Free State relating to hospital sweepstakes, so that British hospitals, which are in need of financial help, may benefit by the results?
§ Mr. CLYNESThere has been no departure from the policy which has always been followed in the case of sweepstakes promoted outside this country. I am, however, fully aware that the circumstances connected with the recent sweepstake promoted in the Irish Free State call for serious and careful consideration from several points of view, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the action which it may he desirable to take in the matter.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEDid not the Prime Minister, when I asked a similar question of him yesterday, reply that there was not sufficient time, and refer me to the right hon. Gentleman; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the introduction of legislation of this nature would be practically non-contentious?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think that the reply of the Prime Minister yesterday related 1479 to the question of time in this House for an early discussion. My answer does not refer to that subject.
§ Mr. HANNONIs it not the fact that the hospitals of this country are at the moment very much embarrassed financially, and would benefit by such a proposal as this?