State Lotteries

3.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what colonies or dependencies State lotteries are run; and what revenue has resulted.

Mr. Rees-Williams
State lotteries are run in Malta and Gibraltar. In 1948, the revenue was £267,706 and £56,000 respectively.

Mr. Langford-Holt
Is it the view of the Colonial Office that this type of lottery is desirable and morally defensible?

Mr. Rees-Williams
My right hon. Friend does not as a general rule favour lotteries, but there are in certain cases, local conditions which make them perhaps desirable.

Mr. Scollan
How long have they been carried on?

Mr. Rees-Williams
The one at Malta has been in operation for many years.

Mr. John E. Haire
Has there been any opposition to these lotteries from the churches in those two colonies?

Mr. Rees-Williams
They have not been very vociferous in Malta at all events, where, as I say, it is a very old-established lottery.

Sir W. Wakefield
Is not the Under-Secretary aware that the lottery in  Gibraltar is very helpful in providing housing accommodation which is very urgently needed?