§ 29. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much he estimates will be invested by customs and excise officers in test bets at bookmakers' offices and shops, in the current financial year; and what check is made of the winnings of those officers who invest public money.
§ Mr. William RodgersAbout £100,000. Test betting is strictly controlled by senior officials.
§ Mr. SmithDoes the hon. Gentleman think that these exercises are in the best interests of the taxpayer, bearing in mind that the Revenue men seem to be very inexpert punters? Last year, £98,000 was staked by them, but they collected only £78,000 winnnigs.
§ Mr. RodgersThey did rather better than I would have done in similar circumstances. Bearing all considerations in mind, this is an important way of helping to ensure that the law is enforced.