HC Deb 29 March 1926 vol 193 c1656
77. Sir NEWTON MOORE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that several ex-Governor-Generals of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and ex-Governors of Victoria and New South Wales have publicly expressed the view that, as a result of their experience, they are of opinion that the imposition of a tax on betting and the use of a totalisator on racecourses would not increase the amount of betting, and that a tax on betting would not be difficult to collect; and whether he will further consider the question of securing additional revenue through this source?

Mr. McNEILL

I have seen the statement to which my hon. Friend refers For the rest I am unable to anticipate the Budget Statement.

Sir N. MOORE

As the Government gave a similar reply some 12 months ago, I should like to know whether their non-action is due to an objection on principle to a tax on betting or to the impression that the amount derived from it would not be of sufficient value.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a proper subject of notice in the Budget Debates.