HC Deb 09 March 1936 vol 309 cc1788-9
37. Mr. DAY

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give the approximate number of communications relating to lotteries and sweepstakes which have arrived through the post in this country from countries outside Great Britain and which have been withheld from delivery during the period of the last two years?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Major Tryon)

It would not be in the public interest to make available to the promoters of lotteries any information as to the scope and effect of the action taken to prevent the distribution and sale of lottery tickets in this country.

Mr. DAY

Can the Minister say approximately the number that have been stopped?

Major TRYON

I have given the hon. Member an answer—that it would not be in the public interest to do so.

Mr. DAY

Is it not the case that great numbers are arriving daily from the Continent

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Is not the withholding of the information in order to save the face of the Government rather than to protect the administration of the law? How can a statement of fact giving this information affect the administration of the law?

Major TRYON

The hon. Member cannot draw that inference from it.