HC Deb 24 May 1928 vol 217 cc2056-7
38. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to a police court case, heard in Birmingham on 21st May, in which a man was fined for betting on certain premises and, at the same time, was also fined for not taking out a bookmaker's licence; and whether he will consider the advisability of revising the Betting Tax to remove this anomaly?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have read an account of this case. The persons concerned were prosecuted and fined for using premises for the purpose of betting with persons resorting thereto contrary to the Betting Act, 1853. They were also prosecuted and fined for acting as bookmakers without a certificate, contrary to the Finance Act, 1926. I can see nothing anomalous in this.

Mr. DAY

Is it not the fact that the Treasury or the Income Tax authorities will not issue a betting certificate where there has been illegal betting?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is another question. That is not the question on the Paper.