§ 32 and 33. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) under what legislative authority greyhound race track promoters are limited to charging 6 per cent. of the totalisator takings for administrative costs; and, on the basis of a promoter receiving at that date an annual return of £60,000 for administration, what would be the present figure necessary to ensure the same return, after allowing for the depreciation of the purchasing value of the £ sterling;
(2) whether he is aware that since his department limited greyhound race track promoters to a maximum of six per cent. of the totalisator for administrative costs prices have risen, cost of living has risen and wage rates for the staffs employed in administering these greyhound tracks have risen; and whether he will increase the present six per cent. to off-set in some part these higher costs.
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§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe amount which the operator of a totalisator on a dog racecourse may deduct from the moneys staked is limited to 6 per cent. by the First Schedule to the Betting and Lotteries Act, 1934, and I have no power to alter it. The equivalent in purchasing power of £60,000 in 1934 is now £187,000.