§ Mr. Mathewasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the scheme put forward to him by the Lancashire County Council for creating a recreational centre on Aintree racecourse and for preserving arrangements to continue the Grand National thereon; what grant in aid from the Government is required; to what extent this grant will be forthcoming; and to what extent he will consider alternative plans for safeguarding the future of the Grand National.
§ Mr. Denis HowellI welcome in principle proposals of this kind, and have discussed with representatives of the Lancashire County Council its proposal to develop the Aintree racecourse for the fullest possible use as a recreational centre. I recognise also the importance of Aintree as the home of the Grand National. I am considering the proposal carefully but am not able at present to give a reply about grant in aid.