§ 4. Sir WILLIAM LANE MITCHELLasked the Home Secretary what action he proposes to take to deal with the problems arising from the rapid development of tote clubs?
§ 5. Mr. JOELasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the growth of tote clubs throughout the country; whether he is aware that these clubs do harm to racing and also exercise a prejudicial effect upon dub life and the life of the community; and whether he will take immediate steps to stop the growth of these clubs?
Mr. STANLEYMy right hon. Friend is aware of the growth of clubs of this description and of their reactions on other interests of the community. The matter is being closely watched but, before further steps are taken, my right hon. Friend must await an authoritative decision by the Courts on the question of the legaltiy of operating totalisators elsewhere than on an approved racecourse. Such a decision is expected shortly as the result of an appeal to the High Court on a case stated by the Leeds Stipendiary Magistrate.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESDo I understand that the Home Office will automatically look into the situation when a legal decision has been reached?
Mr. STANLEYI do not know what the hon. Member understands by the reply, but that was, in fact, the reply that I gave.
§ 14. Mr. HOWARDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulty under which licensed victuallers are trading, owing to the heavy licence duties, whilst tote clubs, paying practically nothing to the Revenue, are rapidly increasing; and whether he will consider taking steps to equalise the duties so as to ensure fairer competition?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)This matter will be taken into consideration in conjunction with other aspects of the recent growth of clubs of this description.