§ 36. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that customs officials in English ports adjacent to Ireland have included among the list of dutiable articles Irish sweepstake tickets, and that they also ask the passengers whether they have sweepstake tickets in their possession; and by what authority this is done and under what Finance Act?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)I am aware of the facts stated by the hon. and gallant Member, and may refer him to Section 1 of the Revenue Act, 1898.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYAre not dutiable articles statutory; and cannot the hon. Gentleman say whether subjects of the Irish Free State, if they come to this country, are not entitled to have in their possession tickets which they have obtained lawfully? Is not this an infringement of personal rights and liberties?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI have answered the question on the Paper, and I think that what I have said is a complete answer to the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs it not the case that this is an infringement of the rights of citizens of a friendly Dominion, who are entitled to carry their own personal possessions with them?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHADoes the hon. Gentleman deny that it is perfectly legal to possess tickets in the Irish Free State?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThat is a separate point.