§ Lord Kilmanyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have any recent facts or figures to substantiate widespread assertions that "illegal" or "underground" betting is on the increase and, if so, whether steps are being taken to meet this situation.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade (Lord Cockfield)The level of illegal betting can only be a matter of subjective judgment; and there is no sound basis on which to judge whether it is increasing. All allegations of illegal betting which are reported are followed up as far as available evidence justifies and resources permit.