§ 20. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Home Secretary which racecourse received the largest share of the £7,500 paid over by the Racecourse Betting Control Board to racecourses operating 532 under Jockey Club or National Hunt rules; how much this amounted to; and whether any stipulations were made as to how this money was to be spent?
§ Sir J. SIMONA scheme was approved by my predecessor for the allocation by the Racecourse Betting Control Board of approximately £3,950, part of the sum of £7,500 which the Board propose to distribute for purposes conducive to the sport of horse-racing. The largest amount payable under the scheme is a grant of some £810 to the owners of Newmarket racecourse for the purpose of increasing the added money to stakes at the July course. It is understood that a further scheme will be submitted to me shortly by the Board for the allocation of the balance of the grant.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs it the policy of the Board to couple grants to racecourses with suggestions for improvements, if there is evidence of the need for such improvements?
§ Sir J. SIMONI am afraid I should have to make inquiries about that matter. I will take note of my hon. Friend's question, and will communicate with him.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWill the information that the right hon. Gentleman anticipates will come into his hands as to the allocation of further grants be available to Members of the House?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have no further information now, but, if a question is put down latter, I will give any further information that I have.