§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, compared with 1951, there has been a steady decline in the receipts from the Pool Betting Duty from greyhound race-track totalisators of £194,088 in 1952, £495,799 in 1953, and £871,814 in 1954; that, during the same period, the revenue from Pool Betting Duty on football pools has risen by £2,554,250 in 1952, £3,859,745 in 1953, and £5,088,128 in 1954; and whether he is aware that this alteration in the balance of revenue is due to the discriminatory nature of this tax. which enables punters to bet with off-course bookmakers and receive higher odds, at the expense of the Treasury's loss of revenue; and what action he proposes to take to alter this position.
95W
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy right hon. Friend is aware of the trend of receipts from pool betting duty on greyhound race-track totalisators and on football and similar pools. While he does not necessarily accept the explanation suggested in the third part of the Question he will review this duty, together with the other taxes, before the Budget.