HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1384-5
31. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the totalisator at greyhound racing tracks has to pay a 10 per cent. tax whilst exactly the same totalisator at horse racing tracks, used for exactly the same purpose, is free from tax; when this system of discriminatory taxation was introduced and for what purpose; and whether he will change the present system in his forthcoming Budget.

Mr. Simon

This duty took this form because of differences in the conditions of betting on horse and dog racing. It was introduced in 1947 to raise revenue. As regards the last part of the Question, I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Minister explain why it is that an ordinary working man from my constituency going to a greyhound race track and putting his 2s. on the tote has 10 per cent. tax deducted while a wealthier man going to a horse racecourse and putting exactly the same bet on the same totalisator loses nothing in tax? Why is there a tax on one and not on the other, and should not they both be treated alike?

Mr. Simon

This is not a question with which I can deal by way of answer to a supplementary question, but if the hon. Member will look at the Budget statement of his right hon. Friend in 1947 he will find a full discussion of the matter there.