§ 5. Mr. William Priceasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will seek powers to establish a fund, financed from football pools betting duty, to assist soccer clubs in Divisions 2, 3 and 4 of the Football League.
§ Mr. PriceIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Government are likely to take at least £500 million out of football in the next 10 years from one source or 665 another? Why does not the hon. Gentleman seriously consider the possibility of setting up a fund from the pools duty to help clubs, some of which face bankruptcy, to develop their grounds into community centres and thereby allow them to live off the income? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the Government put back a tenth of what they take out of the game many of football's problems could be resolved?
§ Mr. NottI am not aware of the figures that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. His Question related to betting duty. This is a source of general revenue, and the hypothecation of revenue for specialised purposes has been contrary to the policy of all Governments. I remind the hon. Gentleman that the pool promoters already pay the Football League £1 million for its copyright fixture lists.
§ Mr. ConcannonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that with the introduction of VAT a number of Fourth Division clubs—Mansfield Town, Darlington, and others—will be looking for recompense, and that this is one way in which the Government could recompense them against the effects of VAT?
§ Mr. NottI am sure that the hon. Gentleman appreciates that the zero rating for food and other essential commodities was designed to afford relief to the lower-income family. There could not be a similar justification for zero rating on admission charges to football matches and other sports and entertainments.