HC Deb 19 November 1917 vol 99 cc829-32
4. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked what was the number of race meetings sanctioned in 1916 and 1917, and the proposed number to be sanctioned in 1918?

Mr. WARDLE

I assume the right hon. Gentleman is referring to meetings under Jockey Club rules. The stewards were informed for both 1916 and the present. year that objection would not be taken to a limited number of race meetings, but I do not know what was the precise number of meetings sanctioned by the Jockey Club. There were sixty and forty-nine-actual days' racing respectively. For next year the Jockey Club have been informed that objection would not be taken to a limited number of meetings at Newmarket and forty days' racing at other places. subject to any unforeseen developments.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Will the railway companies be allowed to run trains in duplicate?

Mr. WARDLE

It is not the intention. of the railway companies to run any special trains.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

When the undertaking was given before did not the railway committee state that they would not run special trains, but nevertheless they did run trains in duplicate?

Mr. WARDLE

The Railway Executive are fully aware of all the facts, and their arrangements are that there should be no special trains.

58. Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Prime Minister whether a list of fixtures for eighty days' racing in England alone during the flat-racing season of 1918 has been approved by the War Office, the Ministry of Munitions, the Board of Trade, and the Railway Executive, and sanctioned by the Government; whether this list represents a considerable extension of the flat-racing programme permitted during the seasons of 1916 and 1917; whether the Government regard eighty days' flat racing and the training and rationing of 2,000 racehorses under present conditions as essential to the maintenance of the horse-breeding industry; and whether any and, if so, what conditions have been attached to the carrying out of next year's programme in regard to railway and other travelling facilities, having regard to the serious congestion of the railways and shortage of petrol?

Mr. WARDLE

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The stewards of the Jockey Club were informed that objection would not be taken to a limited number of flat race meetings being held in 1916 at places in addition to Newmarket, but after the 12th August in that year no meetings were held except at Newmarket. In all sixty days racing took place. As regards the present year the Jockey Club were originally informed that objection would not be taken to a limited number of meetings under Jockey Club rules. Racing was altogether suspended for a time, but forty-nine days racing took place. For next year the Jockey Club were informed that objection would not be taken to a limited number of meetings at Newmarket and forty days at other places, but this is, of course, provisional, and as in past years some alteration in the programme may have to be made. No special facilities can be given on the railways and the use of motor spirit for the purpose of attending a race meeting is prohibited by an Order under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The question of rationing is a matter for the Food Controller.

Mr. MILLAR

Has the Government sanctioned thirty-one additional days' racing next season beyond what it sanctioned this season, and does the right hon. Gentleman think under present conditions that is consistent with the national interest?

Mr. WARDLE

No, they have not sanctioned thirty-one extra days. The fact that only forty-nine days' racing took place does not mean that only forty-nine were originally sanctioned, but at a certain period of the year a prohibition took place of three months, which suspended racing for the time.

Major NEWMAN

Is Ireland totally exempt from all these restrictions?

Mr. WARDLE

I must have notice of that question.

59. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to eighty days' flat-racing next season, it is proposed to sanction a number of race-meetings during the present winter under National Hunt rules; whether a large number of geldings are entered for steeplechases during the winter racing season; whether the Government regard the racing of geldings and the holding of winter race-meetings, in addition to the flat-racing programme for next season, as necessary in the interests of horse breeding; and what restriction, in regard to railway facilities and the use of petrol, will be imposed in connection with winter racing

Mr. WARDLE

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The National Hunt Committee were originally informed that no railway facilities could be afforded for race-meetings during the coming winter. The stewards have prepared a scheme for meetings to be held at certain places to which the horses can be walked and claim that no strain need be put upon the railways. In these cir cumstances the objection from the railway point of view is met, and I have forwarded a programme submitted by the stewards to the War Office and Ministry of Munitions for their consideration. The point raised by the hon. Member as to the value of steeple-chasing to the horse-breeding industry had occurred to me, but I am assured that it has a considerable value. As I have already stated the use of motor spirit for attending race-meetings is prohibited.

Mr. MILLAR

Does the hon. Gentleman consider it necessary to have a season of winter racing meetings as well as eighty days flat racing meetings?