HC Deb 08 June 1998 vol 313 cc435-6W
Mr. Fitzpatrick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what factors underlie the priority which the Government have given to introducing legislation to cover the welfare of greyhounds; [44156]

(2) if he will provide independently funded vets to attend all greyhound tracks; [44154]

(3) if he will implement a levy on betting on greyhound racing to provide a fund for improving tracks, veterinary support and greyhound welfare; [44155]

(4) what plans he has to implement the recommendations contained in the Sixth report of the Home Affairs Committee of Session 1990–91 (HC 463) on the Financing of Greyhound Racing (a) relating to the increase in the registration fee to owners (paragraph 44) and (b) a requirement on track owners and on and-off course bookmakers to donate a part of their profits to the Retired Greyhound Trust (paragraph 44). [44157]

Mr. George Howarth

The present law, principally the Protection of Animals Act 1911, makes it an offence to ill-treat any animals, including greyhounds. We have no plans for further legislation in this area. The greyhound racing industry already takes greyhound welfare most seriously—both during and after the dogs' racing careers.

Neither the 1978 Royal Commission on Gambling nor the 1991 Home Affairs Committee report recommended a levy on greyhound betting. Both regarded this as a commercial activity that did not demand direct Government involvement. We take the same view.

Mr. Fitzpatrick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will include independent greyhound tracks within the legislation which oversees standards for dogs in competitive sport. [44153]

Mr. George Howarth

Independent greyhound tracks are already covered by the animal protection and gambling laws—in particular, the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963. There are no plans to make separate provision for them.

Mr. Fitzpatrick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a statutory body concerned with greyhound racing. [44152]

Mr. George Howarth

There are no plans to establish such a body.