§ 45. Mr. Nallyasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the appointment of a Royal Commission to investigate all forms of football pool gambling; and to submit appropriate recommendations.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The whole question of football pools was one of the matters which were exhaustively considered by the Royal Commission which reported in 1933, and I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by appointing another Commission to traverse the same ground.
§ Mr. NallyIs the Prime Minister aware that since 1933 conditions have changed 1669 fantastically in relation to this vast enterprise, and, taking into account the fact that in the forthcoming season the pools estimate a revenue of£16 million and for the season after they plan for£100 million, will he take this into account and give further consideration to this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI will consider any representations which the hon. Member may make on this matter. But we realise that the general question of off-the-course betting is one which has to be considered as a whole.
§ Mr. MikardoWill the Prime Minister consider whether the pools, in announcing their dividends each week, ought not to have to announce the percentages they are returning?
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeDoes the Prime Minister realise that thousands of young people in the country are being brought up to feel that their destiny rests on these games of chance, and that these activities are altogether anti-social?