§ 48. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the rapid growth of football pools; whether, in view of the large amount of money invested by the public in small weekly sums and the doubts existing as to the relation of the prize money to the amount invested, he will set up a committee of inquiry to investigate their working and report whether State supervision is necessary?
§ Sir S. HoareI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. V. Adams) on 17th February.
§ Mr. MorrisonMay I take it that the right hon. Gentleman does not intend to take any notice of the many representations from business interests that have been directed to the Government in connection with this matter?
§ Sir S. HoareThe issue raises the whole question of off-the-course betting, and I do not think that it can be dealt with separately from the bigger problem. I do not at present see any opportunity for legislation of that kind.
Viscountess AstorIs it not true that when the last Betting Bill came before the House of Commons the Government had at one time thought of dealing with football pools? If that be true, why cannot they do that now, seeing the terrific amount of waste that is going on?
§ Sir S. HoareThe proposal met with very great opposition. It was either defeated or withdrawn.
§ Mr. McGovernSeeing that there is such efficiency of organisation in regard to these football pools, will the right lion. Gentleman consider getting the promoters of these pools to run the arms industry?
§ 57. Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any information as to the profits of football pools and the amount of Income Tax received from same?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I regret that I cannot furnish any information regarding the profits as assessed to Income Tax of the particular concerns to which the hon. Member refers.