HC Deb 09 March 1966 vol 725 cc565-6W
Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he did not consult the turf authorities before announcing his betting tax; and what account he took of the likely effect on racing in Great Britain, which is already at a disadvantage compared with that in France.

Mr. MacDermot

My right hon. Friend is aware of the views of the major bodies concerned with this subject, and has no reason to suppose that the proposed betting duty will have any serious effect on horse-racing in Great Britain. Betting on horse-races is more heavily taxed in France than my right hon. Friend has proposed.

Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how, in his proposals to tax betting, he will ensure that big bets are recorded; and whether tax will be payable on void bets.

Mr. MacDermot

The hon. Member must await the Finance Bill for details on points of this kind.