§ Lord Wiggasked Her Majesty's Government:
How much general betting duty it was anticipated would be collected during the financial year 1981–82 at the time when the Chancellor of the Exchequer introduced his 1981 Budget; how much it was anticipated would be collected over the same period 1112WA as at 1st July 1981; how much it was anticipated would be collected following the increase in Betting Duty announced by the Chancellor on 2nd July 1981; and how much it is now estimated will be collected over the same period at the increased rate of duty.
§ The Minister of State, Treasury (Lord Cockfield)The Budget estimate of receipts in 1981–82 from the betting and gaming duties, published in the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1981–82, included £280 million from the general betting duty. The increase in the off-course rate from 7½ per cent. to 8 per cent. from 12th July was expected to increase the revenue by £8 million in 1981–82, bringing the total for the general betting duty in the financial year to £288 million. It would be contrary to normal practice to publish revisions to the Budget estimates except, as in July, in relation to a change in the duty.