§ 36. Mr. PIKEasked the Postmaster-General whether correspondence addressed to Northern Ireland suspect of containing matter relative to the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes is liable to opening and search by his Department; and under what statutory authority such action is taken?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Kingsley Wood)Yes, Sir; postal packets suspect of containing matter relative to the Irish Hospitals Trust Sweepstakes addressed to persons in Northern Ireland 1142 would be liable to be detained in pursuance of the powers referred to in Section 56 of the Post Office Act of 1908.
§ Mr. PIKEIn view of the fact that the Act of 1908 was passed before the Betting and Lotteries Act of 1934, Section 33, Subsection (3) of which states that it does not apply to Northern Ireland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the powers under the 1908 Act are not annulled by the 1934 Act?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir. I am advised that they are not.
§ 37. Mr. PIKEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on the evening of 12th December, 1934, the Belfast (Northern Ireland) postal authorities held in transit, pending instructions from his Department, 50,000 tickets and counterfoils in the Irish Hospitals (1935) Sweepstake; whether these steps were taken at his instruction; and, if so, under what statutory authority?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir; I have caused inquiries to be made and I have ascertained that there is no truth in the story.
§ Mr. PIKEIf there is no truth in that story, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 26th November, no less than 120,000 tickets were seized at Banbridge and removed to the Customs station at Newry and that two Dundalk men who were in charge of the tickets, were released pending instructions?