BRITISH PARLIAMENT,

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1928, Page 3

BRITISH PARLIAMENT,

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

BETTING TAXATION. (.Received this day at A 1.0 a.m.) LONDON, July-19.

In the House of Commons, Mr Churchill caused surprise by tin announcement that in of the Betting Bill becoming law'} he proposed to modify the Budget scheme of duty to tile extent of doubling the present charge for certificates., .and reducing the betting tax on October Ist, from two per cent to one per cent on the racecourse, and from three and a half to two per cent on credit bets. The Chancellor admitted the reduction would involve the surrender of £1,250,000 in revenue this year, but he declared the estimates could not be realised if the present rates were maintained. Commander Ken worthy (Labour) asked how much Dir Churchill, having lost this revenue, expected to secure through, the totalisator. Mr Churchill: That is a difficult question. I trust there will, he an improvement in the revenue in future. Commander Kenworthy: Do you anticipate an increase in Betting as the result of the totalisator? Mr Churchill: No. I anticipate n deerease in rascality. This was presumably an allusion to the complaints of tax-dodging. The House settled down to a. debate oil tho clauses, and after prolonged obstruction, adjourned. The increase in the charge for bookmakers’ certificates probably will not take effect until next year. Political correspondents say Dir Churchill has decided that the Treasury shall take, one per cent of the earnings of tho totalisator, the same rate as that fixed for course hotting.