§ Q4. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Prime Minister whether the public speech made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Westminster on 22nd May to the Conservative Women's Conference, indicating the possibility of a national lottery represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend made no Statement of policy. He merely expressed interest in a suggestion for a national lottery and said he would not rule it out.
§ Mr. ThomasBut is the Prime Minister aware that he cannot laugh off the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer indicated that he is considering a national lottery? Does not the right hon. Gentleman believe that the Betting and Gaming Act, with the consequent spread of betting shops, bingo halls and gambling salons all over the country, has already done enough damage? Does the right hon. Gentleman want to change our national life still more?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I should have thought that the purpose of the new arrangements about betting was entirely different, namely, to try to 223 bring about a state of the law which was not held in general contempt, and which was a very bad position both for the public and for the police.
§ Mr. ThomasBut will the Prime Minister give us a reply about whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Government are now considering a national lottery, because there are many people outside this House who would view such a step as a further disastrous move by the Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that this is a very doubtful proposal. It has been considered by many Chancellors for many years and there are great objections to it on financial as well as on moral grounds. I suppose that I ought to be ashamed for having been connected with Premium Bonds. However, I think that they have been a very harmless form of investment. I do not feel on my conscience the rake's progress of many men who have gone to perdition because they have risked their interest upon a £.