THERE has been some talk recently of the Government’s need to increase the revenue raised by income tax, a direct tax, to meet the level of its proposed expenditure. I would suggest that if betting tax were to be reintroduced, should this not raise the required money it would at least go a long way towards it and the whole situation could be reviewed.

Betting tax was abolished in 2001 mainly at the behest of some of the Goodwood/Royal Ascot attendees, on the grounds that it damaged the racehorse breeding industry in this country. This, in my opinion, is nonsense. The re-introduction of betting tax, together with some controls over gambling on fixed odds betting terminals could reduce if not eliminate the misery that ensues from reckless gambling on these machines. To achieve this, machines could be calibrated to accept only tokens and pay out in the same. These could be bought and redeemed at participating betting shops, bingo halls and casinos. The machines can be adjusted to limit the amount gambled at anyone time and the period of time over which this occurs.

If these measures, as outlined, were implemented, the potential financial and social benefits to the country would be vast.

Brian T McFarlane,

14 Balmoral Drive, Cambuslang.