HC Deb 20 June 1940 vol 362 cc224-5
23. Captain Vyvyan Adams

asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to avoid the squandering of war resources by prohibiting, during the present emergency, motor-coach tours, horse racing and hunting?

Sir J. Anderson

The use of petrol for motor-coach tours is already subject to control; and so long as the national situation is not held to require the restriction of private motoring to cases of urgent necessity there would, in the view of the Government, be no justification for further restricting motor-coach facilities, which are largely used by people without private cars. As regards horse racing, the Stewards of the Jockey Club have already decided, after consultation with me, to arrange that all horse racing meetings shall be cancelled until further notice. As regards hunting, no practical question will arise until September.

Captain Adams

As it is at least possible that when the hunting season begins we may need petroleum for war purposes—

Hon. Members

Order!

Captain Adams

On a point of Order. Will you, Mr. Speaker, explain to me why my Supplementary Question is out of Order?

Mr. Speaker

I thought the hon. Member was dealing with something too much in the future.

Captain Adams

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will bear in mind that when the hunting season begins hostilities may be still proceeding?

Sir J. Anderson

We will bear that in mind.