asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the amount of increased revenue in 1956-57, and the amount estimated for 1957-58, as a result of the imposition in the 1956 Budget of (a) an additional 2½ per cent. on bets in bookmaking offices, (b) 5 per cent. stamp duty on the tote, and (c) 2½ per cent stamp duty on bets with racecourse bookmakers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revenue from Betting Duties.
As regards part (a) of the question, the excise duty on bets was increased from 7½ per cent. to 10 per cent. from 1st July, 1956, and the yield from the duty in 1956-57 was, approximately, £847,069, an increase of £167,543 over the previous year. The yield in 1957-58 is expected to be about £920,000.
As regards (b) and (c) a stamp duty of £140,000 was levied on and paid by the Racing Board in respect of the year ended on 31st March, 1957. This duty was in lieu of the stamp duties of 5 per cent. on totalisator bets and 2½ per cent. on bets made with bookmakers on racecourses, which were originally proposed in the 1956 Budget. No revenue from this source will arise in 1957-58 as there is no similar provision in the current Budget.
Can I take it from that reply that a sum of £140,000 has been handed back as a gift to these particular gentlemen?
No, it has not been handed back.
Is it not a fact that such a sum is not being extracted from this poor section of the community during the current year in spite of the fact that other poor sections have to pay more for their bread and butter?
There is a great difference between a gift and non-extraction.