asked 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.

There are no plans at present for Government legislation on this subject.

Is 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?

I am aware of the problem. As I have told the House already, we would look sympathetically and carefully at any Back Bench proposal.

It 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?

My 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.