§ 29. Mr. ALEXANDER RAMSAYasked the Home Secretary if he can now state if and when the Government propose to introduce legislation legalising the use of the totalisator on greyhound racing tracks; and when the final report may be expected from the Royal Commission?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs indicated in the statement made on behalf of the Government on the 7th February, the Government do not propose to come to a final decision as to the legislation, if any, which may be necessary to deal with the use of the totalisator on greyhound tracks, until they have had an opportunity of studying the final recommendations of the Royal Commission with regard to other forms of betting. With regard to the second part of the question, I understand the final report may be expected in two or three months' time.
§ Mr. RAMSAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the principle of betting does not appear to be involved here; and are not the Government capable of discriminating in the public interest between the bookmaker and the totalisator?
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTDoes not my right hon. Friend think that the present absurd discrimination among the same contrivances on different tracks should be brought to an end as soon as possible?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAs soon as the Royal Commission reports the Government will come to a decision.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very great difference of opinion throughout the country on this matter; and may I ask him not to take too much notice of ex parte statements?