§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total sum which has been raised from the public for charitable and sporting purposes by pools operated under the Pool Competition Act 1971; and what proportion of the total has accrued to charitable and sporting organisations, respectively.
§ Mr. WhitelawI understand that between 1971 and 1978 £26.8 million out of a total revenue of £178.6 million was applied for the benefit of charities and sport. £21.2 million—79 per cent.—went to charitable organisations and £5.6 million—21 per cent.—to sporting organisations.
§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from charitable and sporting bodies operating pools under the Pool Competition Act 1971 about the proposals contained in the Royal Commission report on gambling; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawRepresentations have been made to the effect that the Government should not accept the Royal Commission's recommendation that the Act should be allowed to lapse, and that a decision ought, in any case, not to be taken separately from decisions on other recommendations, such as those on lotteries. The Government have taken no decision yet on the future of the Act.