§ 3 and 4. Miss Burtonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that the yield from the 10 per cent. totalisator tax from the Coventry Greyhound Stadium for the years 1956, 1957, and 1958 was £40,996, £37,904, and £34,781, respectively; and to what extent this decline is symptomatic of the general financial position of greyhound racing taxation;
(2) whether he is aware that, at the Coventry Greyhound Stadium, punters forfeit approximately 3s. 4d. in the £ on any winnings due to the effect of the 10 per cent. totalisator tax and the 6 per cent. deducted to cover operating costs, and that bets placed on the totalisator have decreased with the consequent result that the amount of the 6 per cent. has also become less; and to what extent this situation is general.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. F. J. Erroll)I am aware of the position at the Coventry Greyhound Stadium, but it is not typical: over the country as a whole, totalisator turnover and the yield of the 10 per cent. duty have not varied to any significant extent in the last three years.
§ Miss BurtonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there seems to be no reason why the position should be worse in Coventry than elsewhere? Do I understand from his Answer that the financial position of greyhound racing throughout the country is not deteriorating? As I have two Questions on the Order Paper, Mr. Speaker, might I further ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction caused by the fact that people who bet on the tote at greyhound stadiums are taxed whereas those who do so on the racecourse are not taxed?
§ Mr. ErrollThe hon. Lady would not expect me to speculate as to the reasons for the decline in Coventry. As to the 547 difference in the incidence of taxation on greyhound and horse racing, the hon. Lady will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.