asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the betting tax methods used in Eire, a description of which has been sent to him, where the collection of the tax is undertaken by the Tote Board and the profits shared by the Government and racing itself, with a view to their adoption here.

I will certainly consider this suggestion but, of course, my hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my Budget statement.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that answer may I ask is he aware that since 1926 Eire has introduced this method of taxation, which has (1) benefited the country; (2) benefited industry; and will he look to a betting tax as a means of keeping the food subsidies for the mass of the workers in the future?

I will bear all those matters in mind.