§ Captain BAGLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Press is publishing the terms upon which French premium bonds may be acquired; and whether, in view of the emphatic condemnation of premium bonds given in this House, the Government propose taking any action to discourage or prevent dealings in the premium bands issued by other countries?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Government were advised that an issue of British Premium Bonds with prizes awarded by lot would be illegal without fresh legislation to authorise it. Dealings in this country in similar bonds issued elsewhere would also be illegal. I understand that the scheme involves the giving of considerable prizes by lot. If this be 60', I am advised that Section 41 of the Lotteries Act, 1823 (4 Geo: IV., c. 60), would apply, which makes it an offence to sell any chance or publish any proposal or scheme for the sale of any chance in a lottery.