HC Deb 25 April 1917 vol 92 cc2393-4
62. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the amount of space devoted in the daily Press to racing tips and news and to the encouragement thereby given to betting, at a time when the strictest economy in paper and in all other forms of expenditure is being enjoined on the nation, he will take steps to prohibit the further publication of racing news during the War?

Mr. BRACE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question The Secretary of State has no authority to issue any such prohibition, and I do not think it would be practicable to introduce legislation on the subject.

Mr. MILLAR

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider an expression of opinion on this matter, having regard to the large number of evening papers whose columns are devoted to sport at the present time?

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the Paper Commission not power to suspend supplies of paper and prevent the publication of newspapers the whole of the space of which is devoted to racing and other intelligence?

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that within the precincts of the House of Commons there is much more waste on ten-and-sixpenny dinners than on oats given to horses?

Mr. PRINGLE

Answer the question!

63. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the feeling manifested throughout the country as to the incongruity of holding race meetings at a time of grave national crisis, and of the consumption of oats and other feeding stuffs by racehorses, and the waste of money and man-power associated with racing, he will now take steps to prohibit the holding of any further race meetings during the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can only say that this question is being carefully considered by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. MILLAR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many experts are of opinion that safeguards could be provided for the maintenance of an adequate staff of blood horses without public racing?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already told my hon. Friend that the subject is being considered from that point of view as well as others.

Mr. HOGGE

Why is it that the Government is so much more afraid of the liquor interest than of the racing interest?