The majority believe it was right for the rules to be upheld

Camelot spokesman

A company spokeswoman said: "Camelot did commission a private poll but we have no plans to release the results other than to say that it was in line with other media polls, with the majority believing it was right for the rules to be upheld."

She said the aim of the survey was to "test public opinion" on the issue, adding that Camelot regularly carried out research on a variety of issues relating to the Lottery.

Unlucky

The Totts responded to an appeal by Camelot asking people to come forward and claim their prizes before the 180-day deadline.

The unlucky couple thought they qualified for their prize money, but discovered the rules for a missing ticket meant a claim had to be made within 30 days.

Investigations by Camelot and the Lottery Commission decided the rules could not be waived for them to pay up.

Camelot said even if public opinion had been in favour of paying the Totts, they would have been unable to do so.

A spokeswoman said: "We can't pay this claim, we don't have the power to do so within the rules of the game."