HC Deb 07 April 1955 vol 539 cc1318-9
23. Mr. O'Brien

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the provisions of the Pools Betting Act, 1954, are not being fully carried out by local authorities; and whether he will introduce amending legislation to empower his Department to take over the auditing and supervision of the accounts.

28. Sir F. Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Pools Betting Act, 1954, so as to enable his Department to be responsible for the auditing of the accounts of pools promoters.

Major Lloyd-George

I have no authority under this Act to inquire into the manner in which local authorities discharge the duties which it imposes on them, and on the information before me I see no need for amending legislation.

Mr. O'Brien

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that four members of the Football Pools Promoters Association—Littlewoods, Copes, Vernons and Murphys—have as their auditors under Section 2 of the Pools Betting Act, 1954, their own respective company accountants? Is the Minister satisfied that that is within the spirit of the Act? Is it likely to be conducive to the best administration?

Major Lloyd-George

I am not sure what the hon. Gentleman means about the spirit of the Act. The Act lays down that the duty shall be on the local authorities. So far as it is the local authorities' responsibility, it is discharged accordingly. If the accountant is properly certified, it is all right, because that is all that Parliament has laid down.

Mr. O'Brien

While thanking the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if he would be prepared to consider advising the local authorities concerned to follow the example of the city councils of Cardiff and Oxford who have categorically declined to approve accountants employed by pool promoters as auditors within the meaning of the Act?

Major Lloyd-George

I am always ready to inquire into anything which will be of assistance, but I am in some difficulty because I have no authority. Provided that the local authorities are carrying out the duty laid upon them by Parliament in the way that Parliament intended, it is all right. As long as the accountants concerned are properly qualified, the local authorities are, in fact, carrying out their duties under the Act.