HC Deb 20 January 1972 vol 829 cc218-9W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, by the 18th December, 1971, the honourable Member for West Ham, North had not received a reply to his communication dated 2nd December making complaints on behalf of his constituent Mr. Loughlan regarding the Horserace Totalisator and Betting Levy Boards Bill; and whether he will expedite his replies in the future.

Mr. Carlisle

Because of the great volume of correspondence on this subject and my wish to send a fully considered reply.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as much detailed information as may be readily available for the longest stated period of time giving the amounts paid by bookmakers and the Horserace Totalisator Board to the Horserace Levy Board; and to what extent on stated times and dates and for cash amounts either of these contributors were excused payment; and for what reasons.

Mr. Carlisle

The information sought in the first part of the Question is contained in the Reports of the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Horserace Totalisator Board, which are laid annually before Parliament and copies of which are available in the Vote Office and the Library. Information about the remission of sums owing by bookmakers is a matter for the Levy Board. In the case of the Horserace Totalisator Board I have nothing to add to the replies given to the hon. Member on 24th June and 16th December last.—[Vol. 819, c.317; Vol. 828, c. 165.]

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he will not appoint an independent inquiry into all aspects of the financing and taxation of the horserace and betting industry and, in particular, into the profits and tax payments of bookmakers and the Horserace Totalisator Board.

Mr. Carlisle

Because my right hon. Friend does not consider that an independent inquiry would disclose anything that is not already known. Taxation is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.