§ 45. Mr. LUNDONasked the Prime Minister whether any complaints have been made about racing in Ireland interfering in any way with the movements of troops or other necessary war activities there; and whether he will, in view of the importance of horse breeding in Ireland, take steps to see that Ireland will be excluded from any restrictions which may be imposed in Great Britain?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)This suggestion will certainly receive consideration.
§ Mr. LYNCHWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind there is not only a question of the unemployment of a few persons, but a question also of the employment of a great number of people?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll these questions are borne in mind.
§ Mr. LUNDONWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the views of the societies connected with the turf, and other interests concerned, receive consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ 56. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Home Secretary if he will give instructions that police officers of the Metropolitan force shall not, during the continuance of the War, do duty at any race meeting, and 2132 recommend the various authorities whose forces are under the inspection of the Home Office to take similar steps?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)The Commissioner of Metropolitan Police reports that it is not proposed to utilise the Metropolitan Police outside their own district in the manner suggested. Within their own district they are responsible for the maintenance of the peace and must be ready to intervene if disorder occurred at a race meeting held within the Metropolitan Police area, as at any other large assemblage of people. The chief officers of other forces will no doubt act on similar lines with regard to this matter.