§ 16. Mr. PIKEasked the President of the Board of Tirade the total value of all contributions from associations operating under the name of art unions, derived from sweepstakes or lotteries authorised under 9 and 10 Victoria, chapter 48, for the five years ended December, 1933?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI regret that the information desired is not available without the expenditure of time and trouble which would not be justified by the results obtained. I would remind my hon. Friend that the prizes in draws of Art Unions sanctioned by the Board of Trade under the Art Union Act, 1846 must consist of paintings, drawings and other works of art.
§ Mr. PIKEIn view of the fact that this is the only sweepstake or lottery which is authorised, legalised or sanctioned, by the State, is it not incumbent on the President of the Board of Trade to be able to supply the information sought in the question?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see that this is really only an evasion, because it is perfectly easy to sell the picture, to convert it into cash, and the morality of the matter remains the same?
§ 17. Mr. PIKEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his sanction was sought and given for the promotion of the Caledonian Art Union Legal Derby Sweepstakes (1934) Draw; and whether such sanction, if given, involves the Board of Trade as guarantors of such money inducements which may be offered by the promoters to subscribers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The rules of the Caledonian Art Union as sanctioned by the board pursuant to the Art Union Act, 1846, do not authorise a sweepstake for money prizes.
§ Mr. PIKEIn view of the hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask whether it is not the responsibility of the Board of Trade to sanction, according to 9 and 10 Victoria, Chapter 48, any draw in any year, and can he place before the House the names of the promoters who sought his sanction in respect of the 1930 Derby draw? In view of the lack of a reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise 734 this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.