§ 6. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether he will prohibit all unsolicited circulars being sent through the post containing betting and gambling information until the present paper shortage has been rectified.
§ Mr. BurkeMy noble Friend would not feel justified in prohibiting the transmission through the post of any such circulars which the promoters are able to post under present day paper restrictions, provided the circulars do not relate to an illegal business.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that some of these circulars contain as many as five enclosures which are elaborately printed in coloured inks? In view of the colossal number of circulars and the shortage of paper in other directions, does he not think this is a direction in which we might save paper instead of allowing these people to exploit the public?
§ Mr. Quintin HoggIs it not remarkable how often Members opposite are trying to stop someone's fun somewhere?
§ Mr. BurkeThe allowance of paper is in accordance with the Paper Control. I would remind hon. Members that the circulars used today are much thinner and the size of the paper much smaller than in prewar times.
§ Mr. NallyIs the Assistant Postmaster-General aware that the purpose of Questions 5 and 6 is an endeavour to protect the public from crooks? It is a pity that on this we have not the cooperation of Members on the other side.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs it not clear that the purpose of Question 6 is to save paper until the present shortage is over?