§ 35. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to organise a national lottery.
§ Mr. H. BrookeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. JohnsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that the marked change in public opinion during the last few years has led to a widespread demand for a scheme of this kind? Would not such a scheme divert a great deal of money into places where it could be used in the best interests of the nation?
§ Mr. BrookeIt is my duty to pay particular regard to the opinion of this House. Only two or three weeks ago the House endorsed, in general, the Report of the Royal Commission on Betting, Lotteries and Gaming, which stated that it was undesirable for the State to make itself responsible for the provision of gambling facilities.
§ Mr. ShinwellCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why we should be so unctuous and righteous about this when we condone what is, in effect, a national lottery through the pools?
§ Mr. BrookeI was not being unctuous, and certainly I was not charging the House with being unctuous. All I was saying was that a representative Royal Commission, which impressed the House by its recommendations, advised that this would be a mistake.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that five years have passed since the Royal Commission issued its Report?