HC Deb 14 November 1939 vol 353 cc542-3
66. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the monopoly granted to Unity Football Pools, Government supervision will be exercised over this business; and in particular whether Inland Revenue officials will examine the accounts at regular intervals?

Captain Crookshank

There has been no grant of any monopoly, and Government supervision, which would require legislation, does not appear to me to be called for. The duty of the Inland Revenue Department in examining the accounts of any concern is confined to such examination as is necessary for the purpose of the assessment of taxation, and I do not propose to apply a different principle in this case.

Mr. Morrison

Is there any precedent for the Government granting what amounts to a monopoly to certain people to make profit out of the public without adequate supervision?

Captain Grookshank

Whether there is a precedent or not, I said there is no ground for the statement in the question.

Mr. T. Williams

Are the Government concerned only with football pools in respect of the Income Tax they derive from the profits?