HC Deb 16 February 1933 vol 274 cc1161-3

The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. MACLEAN:

32.To ask the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a circular issued by Tote Investors, Limited, states that the Betting Control Board have entered into financial arrangements with Tote Investors, Limited; and if he will state under what statutory authority such an arrangement has been made?

Mr. MACLEAN

I desire to make a correction. This question as it stands on the Order Paper reads: whether he is aware that a circular issued by Tote Investors, Limited, states that the Betting Control Board have entered into financial arrangements with Tote Investors, Limited. The word "financial" did not appear in my original question. May I ask the Home Secretary when he replies to read the words of the question as follows: have entered into arrangements with Tote Investors, Limited.

Sir J. GILMOUR

I will simply read the answer to the question on the Paper as it was brought to me: I have not seen a copy of the circular mentioned, but certain financial arrangements entered into between the board and the company in question are referred to in paragraph 39 of the second and third annual reports of the Racecourse Betting Control Board. In reply to the latter part of the question, I have no power to give an authoritative interpretation of the law, but I understand that the board are satisfied that the arrangements referred to are within their general powers.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that the Betting Control Board can only issue licences for totalisators upon a racecourse or ground adjacent thereto; further, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Tote Investors, Limited, are investing in totalisators all over the country; and will he kindly tell the House how that power can be given to a company like Tote Investors, Limited, by the Betting Control Board?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As Secretary of State I have no responsibility for the operations of that board.

Mr. MACLEAN

Have not the Government a certain amount of responsibility, inasmuch as they appoint five representatives of the Government on this board? I am asking the right hon. Gentleman why the Act of 1928 has been totally departed from by this arrangement?

Sir J. GILMOUR

If the hon. Gentleman. has any further questions I think he had better put them down on the Order Paper.