§ 35. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether it is the intention of his Department to have letters intercepted containing money for the purchase of sweepstake tickets on the Derby?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is obviously necessary to take whatever steps are practicable to prevent the use of the post for correspondence relating to lotteries which are illegal in this country. I do not propose to discontinue the existing practice.
§ Mr. DAYWill the Home Secretary state whether any letters have been intercepted up to the present?
§ Mr. CLYNESI should require to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat has become of the money that has been pinched?
§ Mr. CLYNESI gave an answer on that question to which I would refer my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. HANNONWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is to be one law in relation to the Calcutta Sweep and another in relation to the Irish Sweep?
§ Mr. CLYNESAll sweeps which are illegal are treated in exactly the same manner by the Departments concerned.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I, a humble citizen and a Member of this House, can obtain tickets for the Calcutta Sweep without any difficulty whatever.
§ Mr. CLYNESI congratulate my hon. Friend upon giving me that information.
§ 46. Mr. DAYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the widespread demand for a clarification of the laws governing lotteries and sweepstakes, he will reconsider his decision and give the House an early opportunity of discussing this subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I am afraid that in the present state of Parliamentary Business, I can hold out no hope of time being found for this purpose.
§ Mr. DAYIs not my right hon. Friend aware that the present condition of the law with regard to sweepstakes is holding this country up to great ridicule?
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSWill the Prime Minister tell me who is holding up the business?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can tell the hon. Member in what part of the House to look.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask where?