§ 56. Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now make a statement on the allegations concerning unsolicited football coupons set out in a letter, dated 18th August, 1948, from the hon. Member for Withington, passed to him by the Secretary of State for the Home Department for consideration in reference to Paper (No. 70) (Economy) Order, 1945, and Statutory Order, 1947, No. 2247.
§ Mr. BottomleyI have had inquiries made of the football pool firm concerned as to the circumstances in which unsolicited coupons were sent in the 1080 instance which the hon. and gallant Member brought to my attention. The pool firm held a signed order, purporting to have come from the complainant, for a 48 weeks' supply of coupons in the current football season, for which payment had been made to the pool firm's agent. Since the firm believed the order to be genuine, it despatched coupons from 21st August, 1948, to the address stated. Since the complaint was brought to their notice, the firm have ceased the supply of coupons and the complainant was notified by my Department that this had been done.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIn view of the fact that on 7th September last the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade wrote to me saying that in this case he would say that an infringement of the order had taken place and inquiries were being made, why were not these facts and documents put before the Director of Public Prosecutions?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe necessary inquiries were made, and we are satisfied that in this case there was no attempt to infringe the regulations—it was a genuine mistake.