§ 1. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in competitions by many commercial firms the winning line or solution is not published, although lists of winners are published; and if he will introduce legislation to make it necessary for the winning line, combination or solution to be published in all commercial and newspaper competitions.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Elystan Morgan)My right hon. Friend has noted this matter for consideration when legislation is next introduced to amend Part HI of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 dealing with lotteries and prize competitions.
§ Mr. RobertsIs my hon. Friend aware that the millions of people who enter for these competitions will welcome his statement that the Department intends to look at the problem? Will he accept that it is not a question of the marking or judging being unfair but of information? It is not a matter of justice being done but of justice being seen to be done.
§ Mr. MorganYes, I accept that suspicions can easily be aroused as to whether or not results are fixed, and that it would therefore be appropriate to look at the operation of Section 47 of the 1963 Act.
Mr. Edward M. TaylorIf there were a legal requirement for such winning lines to be published, could that be the basis for legal action by aggrieved losers?
§ Mr. MorganThe law at present does not impose safeguards on the manner in which competitions are to be held or the results declared.