§ 39. Coloney DAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the public opinon in favour of the introduction of the totalisator machine for betting purposes, he has now further considered the setting up of a departmental committee with the object of investigating the betting laws so that legislation can be introduced for the purpose of the adoption of the totalisator on all racecourses?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)I have nothing to add to the replies which my right hon. Friend has already given to the hon. Member on this subject.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any investigation
§ out clearly in an oral reply, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to circulate them with the OFFICIAL REPORT. The last two parts of the question have been dealt with in my reply to the hon. Member's last question.
§ The particulars referred to are as follow:
§ was made by the officials of his Department into the working of this system on the Continent?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, I do not think so.
§ Major MacANDREWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the totalisator is a very expensive machine, whereas in France the pari-mutuel system, which is worked by telephone from booths, is very much cheaper and is quite efficient?
§ Mr. McNEILLYes, I am aware of that.