HC Deb 29 March 1928 vol 215 cc1326-7
20. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Health what are his reasons for over-riding the veto of the local authority and permitting a greyhound hound racing track to be established at Wimbledon?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This matter came before me on appeal under the Town Planning Act, and I came to the conclusion that the application could not properly be rejected on any of the grounds authorised by that Act, namely, sanitary conditions, amenity or convenience.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that it is very unfortunate for local authorities in residential areas not to have these powers; and, in view of the Bill before Parliament, could he not have held his hand a little, in order to see the result of the deputation to the Home Secretary yesterday?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot hold my hand in view of prospective legislation, which may never reach the Statute Book.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his colleague, the Home Secretary, made a very important announcement on this matter to an influential deputation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My colleague often makes very important announcements.

Mr. W. THORNE

What is the use of people being elected as representatives on local authorities when the right hon. Gentleman has a veto on the local legislation that they pass?

Captain GARRO-JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman read what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said on these greyhound racing tracks?