§ 53. Mr. CRAWFURDasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the existence, in London and elsewhere, of clubs, which have sprung up since the imposition of the Betting Tax, where illegal betting is taking place with consequent evasion of the tax; and whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure their suppression?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONMy right hon. Friend is aware that the number of registered clubs has increased of late years, and no doubt betting takes place in 2309 certain classes of club, but he is not in a position to say that clubs have been formed for the purpose of avoiding the Betting Duty. The detection of illegal betting in clubs is a matter of some difficulty, but the police are alive to the practice, and wherever possible proceedings are taken.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDHas the Home Office received any submission from any other Departments in regard to these clubs?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI should like notice of that question.
§ Colonel DAYIs it not a fact that at some of these clubs betting certificates are issued?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONI am not aware of that, but, if the hon. Member has any facts to give me, I shall be glad to receive them.
§ 55. Mr. CRAWFURDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that ready money betting is now taking place on licensed bookmakers' premises in respect of which an entry certificate has been issued; and will he explain why duty is collected on this form of illegal betting and not upon betting through a wholly illegal business such as street betting or solely ready money betting taking place upon unlicensed premises?
Mr. SAMUELThere have been several prosecutions by the police for illegal betting such as that described in the first part of the question. In reply to the second part, a bookmaker who conducts illegal betting renders himself liable, not only to police prosecution for contravention of the law relating to betting, but also, if he does not pay duty on the bets, to Revenue prosecution as well.
§ Mr. CRAWFURDMay I ask if the authorities are endeavouring to collect the duty upon all betting, whether it takes place in a legal or an illegal form?
Mr. SAMUELYes, that is so. All illegal betting, if discovered, is punished, and the Revenue tax imposed. The Finance Act provides that all betting, legal and illegal, shall be taxed, and the authorities try to enforce the law.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Gentleman give the House the number of prosecutions that have taken place?