§ 71. Sir G. Nabarroasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will estimate the benefit to the United Kingdom balance of payments of the Grand National at Aintree.
§ Mr. DarlingNo, Sir.
§ Sir G. NabarroWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to try to form an estimate in this important matter, first, as to income from tourists attending this great steeplechase, and, second, the influence on bloodstock exports, which is dominated by the running of this steeplechase; and of the adverse effect if it were discontinued?
§ Mr. DarlingI well understand the hon. Member's interest in the matter, but I think that he will agree, in view of the interest he takes in trying to stop wasteful expenditure, that an exercise of this kind would involve our trying to find out how many foreign visitors go to Aintree, the prize money that might go overseas, as a couterbalancing factor of expenditure, gambling, and the blood-stock sales, when, in the end, the effect on our balance of payments would be very small, indeed.
§ Mr. HefferWould my right hon. Friend draw to the attention of the lady who owns the racecourse and wishes to sell it the view of the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir G. Nabarro)?