BACKBENCH Tories are suggesting that Britain should adopt American-style laws whereby a proportion of lottery prize money is recouped if a winner is claiming welfare benefits.

Research into lottery spending suggests that two-thirds of the 4 million people depending on benefits are playing at least once a week.

The Department of Society Security has no plans to reclaim winnings and we think that is right. If claimants choose to risk their cash on lottery tickets, that is their business. We don't want to go along the road of Big Brother telling people how they should spend their benefits. It is easy to understand why those on the dole and unable to get work are tempted to play the lottery. They should not be penalised if they win.

But we support the concept that lottery winners who owe child maintenance should have the money deducted from their prizes. Social Security Minister Andrew Mitchell is considering this idea which we think is a fair one.

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