§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISON by Private Noticeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now inform the House as to the terms of reference to the Royal Commission on Lotteries, etc., and the names of the Commissioners?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)As I have already indicated, the reference to the Royal Commission will be framed in wide terms, and I will give the precise reference when I am able also to announce the personnel of the Commission, which I hope will be in the course of a few days. I am awaiting replies to two invitations.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhat is the cause of the great delay in the appointment of this Commission; and does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the urgency of the matter has been greatly accentuated since the Irish Free State Government have now decided to tax certain proceeds of a lottery, for which this country provides many millions?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThere has been, I think, no undue delay. I have had to await replies from various persons who have been invited.
§ Mr. LEVYDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise the extreme urgency of this matter and that it is of national importance, seeing that many millions of pounds are going from this country to Ireland and the Irish Free State Government are taking part of the proceeds to augment their exchequer?