SWEEPSTAKES

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 255, 20 June 1932, Page 2

SWEEPSTAKES

IRrSH LOTTERIES BRITISH GOYT, DECIDES UPON COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. COMMON SENSE NECESSARY. LONDON, April 15. In the House of Commons, Sir Herbert Samuel (Home Secretary) made announcement of the Government's decision to set up a Royal Commission to deal with the question of sweepstakes and lotteries. The Commission, with wide powers of referenee, is to be appointed as soon as the neeessary arrangements can be made. The announcement was, on the whole, well received by members. Sir H. Samuel made known this decision in answer to a question by Mr. Bernays (Bristol North), who asked the Home Secretary whether he intended to institute an inquiry into the law relating to sweepstakes in this country. Sir Herbert Samuel, in reply, said: "It is generally agreed that there are serious diffieulties in the way of enforcing the present law in regard to sweepstakes and lotteries. # Events during the last two years have brought the rnatter very prominently to the attention both of the Government and the public. "Questions have also arisen with regard to1 the use of totalisators, both generally and in connection with greyhound racing tracks. There are difficulties in connection with the enforcement of the law relating to street betting, and from time to time new developments arise, sueh as the attempt to introduce betting at motorcycle speedway races. Lotteries Bill Dead. "In view of the complexity of the issues involved and the diversity of the views entsrtained in regard to these questions, the Government have decided that, before considering whether any amendment of the present laws is neeessary, it is essential that a comprehensive inquiry should be undertaken by a Royal Commission, with wide terms of referenee, as soon as the neeessary arrangements can be made." Sir F. Hall -(Dulwich). "Would it help matters if the Government would give time for discussion, for further steps to be taken with regard to the Lotteries Bill introduced only last month ? " Sir H. Samuel: "That question should be addressed to the Leader of the House." Sir F. Hall: "Then I ask the Leader of the House." There was no reply from Mr. Baldwin. The Daily Telegraph learns that no plans have yet been made regarding the personnel of the Commission. and the exact terms of referenee have still to be drafted. It is expected that the chairmanship will be entrusted to somebody possessing considerable legal experience. The Government's decision rneans that the Lotteries Bill which Sir William Davison recently introduced into the House of Commons is dead. The Bill aimed at legalising in this country sweepstakes for public objects. The House gave Sir William leave to introduce the measure by 176 votes to 123 — on a non-party division. Ten Millions to Ireland. Sir William expressed his disappointment at the delay which will be caused as a result of the prolonged inquiry which the Royal Commission is certain to undertake. He feels that if his Bill had been put into operation for only one year a practical test would have been afforded of opinion in the country. MIf the Royal Commission reports at once," he added, "not much harm will be done, but it about time that this pouring of millions into Ireland stopped, and that wd had the benefit of this money for the urgent needs of the charitable institutions of our own country, and especially for the equipment and extension of our hospitals." Sir Alfred Barham (Joint Secretary, Lottery Law Reform Association) received the news with very great pleasure. "I feel that the day is not far distant now when the common sense view of the public must prevail," he 1 said. "I should like to express great appreciation of the efforts. of Sir William Davison, which I feel have so far been crowned with success. The method of a Royal Commission is a good one, provided always that it is not one of those commissions the real purpose of which is to shelve the rnatter. If it is, we shall reintroduce the subject in a different form, because the public will not stand for a minute for any side-tracking of the issue." Sanctimonious Influence. Mr. John Bromley (T.U.C. president) : "I approve of the inquiry. I am in favour of sweepstakes. I think sweepstakes and lotteries might well be considered apart from the deadening influence of sanctimonious people who hold up their hands against them while privately they have their bit of betting with the common herd." Mr. James Maxton, M.P.: "The Government could have legislated quite well without inquiry. The extent to which the citizens of this eounti^y take part in sweepstakes of one kind and another is clear evidenee that the public want to be permitted to do these things." The Rev. M. E. Aubrey (secretary, Baptist Union): "I welcome inquiry, because T believe it will be found that the evils attendant on lotteries and sweepstakes are so much greater than any imaginary benefits to be derived from them that public opinion, when fully informed, will condemn them." Mr. J. McGrath director, Irish Sweepstakes): "I do not think the Commission will bs so interested to hear of our experience as to get opinions of English hospitals as to whether they think they would be better off in the end than they were at the beginning."