§ 34. Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who allocates the various race meetings in this country, and on what basis they are allocated; why Nottingham, a privately-owned concern, has about 24 days racing a year, whilst Lincoln, 30 miles away, which is municipally-owned and controlled, has only two days, and Doncaster, York and Brighton, other municipally-owned courses, have no fixtures; and whether he will reconsider this policy with a view to granting a lower percentage of the permitted fixtures to privately-owned concerns?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)The allocation of race meetings is made by the Jockey Club, subject to the approval of His Majesty's Government, and is governed by special factors arising out of war conditions, in particular military needs and the needs of transport and production. The number of days' racing allotted to Nottingham during the current year is 14. I am writing to my hon. Friend as regards the other places named.
§ Mr. T. SmithCan the hon. Member say why Nottingham has been selected in preference to other places?
§ Mr. MabaneIt would not be in the national interest to indicate the reason why this or that place is chosen rather than any other.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorCan the hon. Gentleman tell us whether we can welcome the questioner as an advocate of nationalisation?