§ 13. Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the law to enable fund-raising organisations to have bottle stalls at their charity events.
§ Mr. RaisonI do not expect there to be an early opportunity for Government legislation on this subject.
§ Miss LestorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the law is being interpreted differently in different areas? In some areas local fetes and other activities to raise funds for parent-teacher associations and senior citizens are being prevented from having even a bottle of sherry as a prize for a tombola or raffle? Is that seriously what the law was intended to do?
§ Mr. RaisonI am aware of the problems and of the fact that there are varia- 872 tions, but how the law is interpreted is a matter for the courts.
§ Mr. EmeryHas my hon. Friend considered by letter on that matter, which is not a party political issue? Will he consider encouraging a single-clause Private Member's Bill to try to straighten things out?
§ Mr. RaisonI am tempted to say to my hon. Friend that it is very much a party political matter because the political parties are greatly affected by it. If private Member's legislation is brought forward, we shall give careful and sympathetic consideration to it.