HC Deb 26 June 1941 vol 372 cc1086-7
17. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the heavy congestion of traffic and blocking of the roads on Wednesday, 18th June, at Newmarket; and what decision he has arrived at as to allowing race meetings bringing together large concourses of people to continue?

20. Mr. Tinker

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the race meeting known as the War Derby, held on Wednesday, 18th June, when 60,000 persons were present, over 5,000 motor-cars were used to take them there, and the congestion caused by these numerous vehicles held up an Army convoy for a considerable time; and will he take steps to prevent all race meetings, as they are having a detrimental effect on the war effort?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am informed that the attendance at the race meeting was less than half the number given by my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker), and that while traffic was slow on the approaches to the course, there was no serious blocking of the roads. In reply to the other points raised by my hon. Friends, I would refer to the answer given on 24th June by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War and to the answer which I gave on 3rd April last to my hon. Friends the Members for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) and Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).

Sir P. Harris

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see the danger that if a race meeting happened to synchronise with an invasion or a blitz, it might have serious results on the movement of our troops for defence purposes?

Mr. Morrison

That suggestion arises out of an allegation which is entirely untrue.

Mr. Tinker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his point of view has nothing in common with the Labour party in my constituency, which passed a resolution calling upon him to do away with race meetings, which have an effect on our efforts to prosecute the war? There is no doubt that that is happening and, unless something is done, it will not be of advantage to the war effort.

Mr. Morrison

I have every respect for the views of the Labour party in my hon. Friend's constituency, but there are other sections of opinion. We have severely reduced racing facilities, and the point is now reached when we must either go on with the very modified programme or abolish racing altogether, which would involve rather serious considerations.

Mr. Shinwell

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that the Government's decision in this regard is flying in the face of decent public opinion? Even with the limited figures that he has furnished to the House, is it desirable to allow these insane and unseemly spectacles to continue?

Mr. Morrison

There is more than one public opinion about this. That is quite clear, as the House has indicated during this passage of question and answer. We will, of course, take that view into account. We have made a programme up to September, and it can be reviewed, but we are on the point whether an industry to which some importance is attached should be eliminated.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall take the first convenient opportunity to raise the matter.