HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 cc637-8W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the members of the Steering Group conducting a review of the Tote; and when it will report. [74140]

Mr. George Howarth

The Steering Group is chaired by Mr. Peter Jones, the Tote's Chairman. Its other members are Mr. H Bush from Her Majesty's Treasury, and Miss C. Sinclair, Mr. R. Fulton, Mr. J. Dilling, Mr. S. Hickson and Mr. C. Hawkswood from the Home Office. I understand that the Steering Group is nearing the end of its work and hopes to report to Ministers shortly.

Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the future financing of the horseracing industry in Great Britain. [74141]

Mr. George Howarth

We are having constructive discussions with the British Horseracing Board about the issues raised in their financial plan, but do not propose to make any general statement about horseracing's finances. Horseracing and bookmaker interests are due shortly to start important negotiations over the betting levy, under the oversight of the Horserace Betting Levy Board.