§ 36. Mr. Lewisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if his attention has been called to the large amount of petrol used to send dogs in special vans to various racing tracks in London from their kennels situated from seven to 17 miles distant, involving in each case a double journey twice a week, once for the trials and once for races, although the whole of this petrol could be saved if the dogs were kept at the racecourses as is already done at Wembley; and if he will see that this is done in all cases.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThere are kennels near the track at the greyhound racecourses at Wembley, New Cross, and Hackney Wick. There is no space for the construction of kennels at the other courses in the London area, and I am advised that, even if there were space available, and if the necessary labour and materials could be found, the construction of kennels on these courses would be open to serious objections.
§ Mr. LewisIf I put down another Question, is my hon. Friend prepared to disclose to the House the amount of petrol he is allowing to be used for this purpose by closing down the tracks?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will tell my hon. Friend now. It is 164 gallons a week. I am assured that greyhound racing provides entertainment for a very large number of people every week.
§ Mr. MesserDoes not my hon. Friend know that ambulances cannot obtain enough petrol?
§ Mr. LewisDoes my hon. Friend realise that, while he allows 164 gallons of petrol for the purpose of the encouragement of betting, there are people who cannot get petrol for essential services?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy hon. Friend will realise that the Government have decided that this kind of entertainment should be continued, and that it is in the public interest to do so.
§ Mr. PetherickIs not the hon. Gentleman rather unnecessarily tender towards dog-racing, which, unlike horse-racing, has no national value whatever?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI do not think that it can be shown that we are tender to dog-racing, as compared with horse-racing.