HC Deb 29 January 1942 vol 377 cc912-3
38. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the activities of the so-called Variety Artistes Ladies' Guild, in raising a Forces Comforts Fund by writing to individuals unknown to them, enclosing books of tickets offering prizes and a remuneration to those willing to circulate them; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this breach of the law?

Mr. H. Morrison

The letters and tickets to which my hon. Friend refers were sent out at the end of last year by an individual who used the name of this guild in connection with a scheme for raising money by means of a lottery. Proceedings were taken against him, and on the 15th of this month he was convicted of offences against the Betting and Lotteries Act. Fines totalling £110 were imposed with 25 guineas costs, and moneys amounting to over £1,000 were seized by the police and forfeited.

Viscountess Astor

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this Question is an absolute waste of time?

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of my constituents have been bothered by receiving communications from this guild, and is it not desirable to draw public attention to such a bogus organisation?

Mr. Morrison

I received communications to that effect from my hon. Friend, and I am bound to say that I cannot see that this is a superfluous Parliamentary Question.