HC Deb 30 November 1926 vol 200 c1001
29. Sir W. de FRECE

asked the Postmaster-General if there is any diminution in the Volume of telegraphic and telephonic business dealing with betting matters since the introduction of the Betting Tax; arid, if so, whether he will state to what extent?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I have no data upon which to form any precise estimate as to the effect of the Betting Duty upon the Volume of telegraph or telephone traffic. There has been no noticeable effect upon the telegraph or telephone revenue.

Sir COOPER RAWSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one firm alone has discontinued over 80 telephones, and whether he will ascertain the loss of revenue and the increase of lawlessness and confer with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The hon. Member did not catch the last sentence of my reply, which was "there has been no noticeable effect upon the telegraph or telephone revenue."

Sir C. RAWSON

If I bring some evidence to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman, will he consider it?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Yes, but I must remind the hon. Member That this is only an infinitesimal fraction of the whole.