§ 79 and 80. Mr. Nallyasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why he has accepted the representations of the principal football pool promoters that the war-time Unity Pools organisation should not be re-established; and if he will reconsider this decision;
(2) what tests he proposes to apply to ensure that all football pool organisations receiving paper supplies under licence from his Department are properly conducted; and whether he will consider withdrawing such licence in the cases of those football pools unable or unwilling to supply him with a weekly certified list of their successful patrons and the amounts paid out to such patrons in winnings.
§ Mr. BelcherUnder the recent Order the quantity of paper that may be used by each football pool of any considerable size is being fixed on a scale that will secure a substantial reduction in the total consumption of paper. Small pools are allowed to use up to 2 cwts. in four months for coupons, entry forms, and new envelopes without licence, but are subject to the restrictions imposed on the size of coupons and entry forms and to the prohibition of free distribution. I must make it clear that the concern of the present Order is with paper economy, and for this purpose I should not be justified in requiring the re-establishment of the Unity Pools organisation; nor is it the purpose of the Order to control the conduct of the pools in other respects.
§ Mr. Nallyasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of football pool organisations now receiving paper supplies under licence from his Department; the number of applications for such licences that have been received by his Department; and how many such applications have been rejected.
§ Mr. BelcherLicences have so far been issued to 30 firms, three applications have been rejected, and six are under consideration.