§ 54. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Prime Minister the conditions under which racing tests for thoroughbreds are being at present carried out in France; whether the public are admitted to the racecourses; and whether any betting is allowed?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government have no information on this subject.
§ 55. Mr. MILLARasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have now departed from their policy that it was necessary in the national interests to prohibit the holding of all race meetings in the United Kingdom after the week ending 5th May; whether any conditions have been attached to the resumption of racing; and whether the Government propose to prohibit all betting at race meetings and the publication of betting news, having regard to the need for national economy during the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The course indicated in the last part of the question has been considered, but, in the opinion of the Government, it is not practicable.
§ Mr. MILLARCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what conditions have been attached to the resumption of racing, and does he consider it to be in the national interest to allow betting to be continued at this time?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWPersonally, I cannot say that I consider betting to be in the national interest. It is a question of how much you are going to interfere, not with my views, but with those of other people, unless they are necessitated by the War.
§ Mr. MILLARWhat are the restrictions that are to be applied?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think the information was communicated in a letter to the Jockey Club which has appeared in the Press.