HC Deb 13 March 1947 vol 434 cc1482-3
23. Mr. Benn Levy

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the results of the reconsideration which he has been giving to the ban imposed upon greyhound racing alone among all forms of entertainment; and what are the reasons for its present continuance.

33. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now reached a decision in reference to the continuation or raising of the ban on greyhound racing.

37. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he proposes to remove the ban on greyhound racing.

38. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the total ban on greyhound racing can now, to some extent, be lifted.

39. Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider allowing the Oxford Stadium to open for a daylight meeting, which only consumes 85 units of electricity comprising 10 units for lighting, 50 for heating and 25 for power, since this would result in saving the use of electricity for radios in the homes of the spectators.

Mr. Shinwell

I have today made an Order amending the Control of Fuel (Dog Racecourse) Order, 1947, so as to permit the use of fuel, as defined in the Order at any dog racecourse in Great Britain on Saturdays and statutory holidays. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary proposes to make a statement on the matter at the end of Questions.

Mr. Erroll

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why dog racing, alone of weekday evening recreations, should be subject to a continued ban?

Mr. Shinwell

That is not our intention, nor is that the arrangement, but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will deal with it later.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is to happen to the entertainment of many thousands of workers who have statutory holidays in the middle of the week?

Mr. Shinwell

All these matters will be dealt with by my right hon. Friend.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is the Minister aware that many people go to dog races for their entertainment and that a large number of dog racing employees are out of work in consequence of the ban?

Mr. Shinwell

The Government are well aware of the situation, but we have to balance the provision of entertainment, as it is called, alongside the production needs of the country.

Sir G. Fox

Will the Minister answer the last part of my Question, No. 39? Is he aware that banning race meetings results in more electricity being used by would-be spectators? Is he aware that my constituents have lost confidence in him as a Minister, and will not co-operate so long as he is the Minister?

Mr. Shinwell

As to the question of lost confidence, the electors lost confidence in the Conservative Party at the last Election.