§ 37. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he can give an estimate of the number of 710 persons employed, full time and part time respectively, on greyhound tracks or in connection therewith in England and Wales at the present time?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThere are no statistics upon which to base an estimate of the kind which my hon. Friend requires.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIn view of the fact that this will be a matter of some importance when betting legislation is before the House, will my right hon. Friend take steps to obtain the information if I put a question on the Paper a week to-day?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI do not think it will be possible, because the people to whom my hon. Friend refers would be included in the class of employment defined as "entertainments and sports," and another difficulty is that many of them are only part-time workers and probably have some employment during the day.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSCould not my right hon. Friend send a circular to each of the greyhound tracks to get the information?
§ Mr. GLOSSOPDoes my right hon. Friend's answer mean that this House will have to consider legislation without knowing the number of people to be affected by it?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAs I have said, I cannot give an undertaking to get the information, but I will consider the suggestion of my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. Williams). I realise the importance of the information
§ Mr. GLOSSOPCan my right hon. Friend not get into touch with the greyhound racing industry and ascertain the number of people employed on their tracks?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThere are a great many branches of that industry. I will do what I can, but I cannot give any undertaking that I can obtain the information.