HC Deb 27 October 1965 vol 718 cc138-9
23. Mr. Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Irish hospitals' sweepstake tickets are sent through the post; and what action he will take.

Mr. Joseph Slater

My right hon. Friend realises that some of these tickets find their way into the post. The use of the post for their distribution in this country is prohibited and if they are found they are stopped.

Mr. Lipton

Is there any sense in maintaining this ban on the postal delivery of Irish sweepstake tickets in this country? Is my hon. Friend aware that whatever the law on the subject may be, the law is not being enforced by either the Post Office or the Home Office? In those circumstances, why should not the people of this country be free to buy Irish sweepstake tickets if they so wish?

Mr. Slater

Those may be the views and observations of my hon. Friend, but I must remind him that Section 42 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1963, says that it is an offence for any person in connection with a lottery promoted or proposed to be promoted, either in Great Britain or elsewhere, to sell or distribute or offer or advertise for sale or distribution any tickets or chances in the lottery or to bring or invite any person to send into Great Britain tickets for the purpose of sale or distribution.

Hon. Members

Reading.

Mr. Slater

That covers the supplementary question which my hon. Friend asked and to which he has a right to receive an answer.