§ 1. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to remove the restriction on the use of liquor as prizes in draws and lotteries.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Timothy Raison)There are no plans at present for Government legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. HannamIs my hon. Friend aware that the police authorities regard the offering of liquor as prizes in draws, tombolas and bottle stalls as a contravention of the licensing laws? That is causing problems to many charities in their fundraising activities. Will he support an initiative by a Back Bencher to amend the licensing laws?
§ Mr. RaisonI am aware of the problem. As I have told the House already, we would look sympathetically and carefully at any Back Bench proposal.
§ Mr. LawrenceIt is obvious that this law is not enforced, because no one no longer believes in it. Is it not absurd to keep on the statute book a law that nobody wishes to see enforced?
§ Mr. RaisonMy hon. Friend makes a valid point. There is no time for Government legislation in this Session. If there is some future prospect of Private Members' legislation, we shall be sympathetically disposed towards it.