§ 33. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary whether any decision has now been arrived at with reference to the question of setting up a committee to inquire into the conditions that would be necessary and appropriate for the purpose of altering the existing lottery laws?
§ 41. Sir GEORGE PENNYasked the Home Secretary if it has now been decided whether an inquiry will be held into the legislation of sweepstakes in this country?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe House will remember that as recently as the 19th May last leave was refused by 181 votes to 58 to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison), who desired to bring in a Bill to authorise the raising of money by means of lotteries for the support of hospitals. The Government have been giving careful consideration to the suggestion that an inquiry should be held, but are not satisfied on their present information that the balance of opinion, whether in Parliament or in the country, is in favour of a revision of the law relating to lotteries and sweepstakes.
§ Mr. DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are millions of tickets for these sweepstakes bought in the United Kingdom, and does not that show a great amount of public interest in sweepstakes?
§ Mr. CLYNESI admit the public interest, but I do not think that the purchasers of tickets would desire the law to be strengthened against them.
§ 37. Mr. HOPKINasked the Home Secretary if in view of the evidence of the present widespread illegal sale of tickets for the November Handicap Irish sweepstake, he will consider the necessity for taking powers to stop any race being run in respect of which it becomes known that any sweepstake is being organised?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo, Sir.