§ 45 and 46. Mr. DIXEYasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware of the feeling in the country owing to the inequality of the law with regard to betting; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in the matter;
(2) what is the main difficulty in the way of Government taxation of betting?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I shall answer these questions together, I believe there are some people who object to the law which prohibits certain forms of betting, but there are others who think the removal of such prohibitions would be very undesirable. I would suggest that my hon. Friend should refer to the Report and Proceedings of the Select Commit, tee on Betting Duty, 1923, where he will find a full discussion of the various aspects of this proposal.
§ Mr. DIXEYI have referred to that report, and I would now like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think this inequality to the poorer people who desire to bet ought to be removed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend has read the report, he will see exactly what are the objections to the removal of what we all admit is a somewhat disagreeable factor in our present-day life.