HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 cc37-8W
Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimates her Department has made of the sale value of the National Stud; and if she will make a statement. [155912]

Mr. Caborn

The asset value of the National Stud is set out in the annual report of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, a copy of which is in the Libraries of both Houses. Our preference is to transfer the Stud, without consideration, to a new independent charitable trust with a broad remit which would include training for stud staff; thoroughbred breeding which genuinely and distinctively contributes to the long-term quality of British racing; and a centre displaying the British horse heritage as a whole and providing information about breeding. We will continue to assess the progress being made by the new Board of the Stud, with the support of the Levy Board, towards the point at which such a transfer could appropriately take place, with the proviso that closure of the Stud and sale of the assets remains the fall-back option.

Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent from public funds on the National Stud in each year from 1990; and if she will make a statement. [155938]

Mr. Caborn

The National Stud has received no Government funding during this period.