§ 39. Mr. DREWEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a lady in Exmouth made a personal application in writing enclosing a 10s. Treasury note for a single ticket in the Irish sweepstake, and that the letter was opened and the contents returned in a registered letter for which she had to pay 3d.; whether he will state what illegal action she had committed; and why She had to pay the charge of 3d.
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs I have frequently explained, although it is not a specific offence for a person to purchase a lottery ticket for his own use, it is an offence to sell or distribute Irish sweepstake tickets in this country. The use of the post by individual applicants would facilitate distribution by the promoters of the Irish Hospital sweepstakes and on that account cannot be allowed. I am informed by the Postmaster-General that where an unregistered letter is found to contain inter alia any bank note or currency note of a 'value of 10s. or over, the Inland Post Warrant 1923 provides that the letter shall be compulsorily registered and the ordinary registration fee charged. This regulation applies to all letters irrespective of their contents.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this charge of 3d. is a fine inflicted on an individual for doing a legal action? What is his statutory authority for fining a person 3d. for doing something which he is entitled to do?
§ Sir JOHN HASLAMDoes my right hon. Friend not think that the authorities are doing a public service in returning the 10s.?