§ 33. Wing Commander Bullusasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the revenue received from the Pool Betting Duty on the totalisators at the 15 London greyhound tracks compares in aggregate in 1953 with the overall figure for the year 1952.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)The receipts in 1953 from the tracks in question were £141,468 less than in 1952, representing a drop of 4½ per cent.
§ Wing Commander BullusIs my right hon. Friend aware that this story of diminishing returns is general at race tracks throughout the country and is almost entirely due to the discriminatory nature of the tax? Would he consult the Chancellor and make a sympathetic review for the forthcoming Budget?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have given my hon. and gallant Friend the figures. The inferences to be drawn from them are matters for the Budget.
§ Mr. LewisWhy should this particular sport's totalisators suffer a 10 per cent. tax, whereas horse racing and other sports do not? Why should this working-man's sport be taxed in this way, and not the sport of kings?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIf it is suggested that this working-man's sport is attacked by the original imposition of this tax, the hon. Gentleman should address his question elsewhere.