§ 21. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary the totalisator receipts on greyhound racing tracks for each year from 1938 onwards; and whether the reduction in the number of days on which racing is allowed has had the effect of decreasing receipts proportionately?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI regret that I have no official information which would enable me to answer the first part of the Question. The object of reducing the number of dog-race meetings was not to reduce the volume of betting but to secure economies in man-power and fuel, and it may well be that the total volume of betting has not been reduced.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman looking into this problem of keeping greyhound tracks open during the war?
§ Mr. MorrisonWe have looked into it and taken the action I have indicated. It has resulted in a material reduction, and as at present advised I do not propose to go further.