HC Deb 22 October 1946 vol 427 c1482
71. Mr. Boothby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to legalise betting in this country in order to tap by subsequent taxation the large source of revenue which would then be made available.

Mr. Dalton

Betting, as such, is not illegal. Questions regarding restrictions on betting, should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. As regards a tax on betting, I promised in the Debate on the Second Reading of the Finance (No. 2) Bill, 1946, that I would consider this, and I am doing so.

Mr. Boothby

Will the Chancellor bear in mind that it would not be advisable to impose taxation upon betting, with the law in its present condition?