§ 37. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that football pool promoters are running an illegal lottery; and if he will institute proceedings against them.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo, the evidence available to me would not, in my opinion, justify the institution of proceedings.
§ Brigadier ClarkeDoes the Attorney-General appreciate that an employee of a big football pool firm has brought to my notice that the promoters have opened, sorted, filed and photographed the coupons before the panel which it employs is locked up? Does he not think that is a lottery, and possibly a loaded lottery? I do not suggest that it is dishonest, but I think that it could be, and I should like my hon. and learned Friend to refer this matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy hon. and gallant Friend will understand that the question of whether or not there is a lottery depends on whether or not skill has to be exercised and not on when the coupons are submitted or when they may be photographed. I have, of course, 897 already discussed the matter with the Director of Public Prosecutions, and, as I say, I certainly do not think that there is any evidence upon which a prosecution could now be brought. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any other information to show that this system of working amounts to a lottery, I shall be delighted to consider it.