§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will consider arranging a meeting between the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Jockey Club, the Liverpool city council and the Merseyside county council to discuss the future of the Grand National;
(2) further to his reply of 2 December, Official Report, column 168, which interested parties he has been in contact with concerning the future of the Grand National and if he will make a statement;
(3) what is the latest situation concerning the future of the Grand National; and if, further to his reply of 2 December, Official Report, column 168, the Horserace Betting Levy Board has taken any steps to ensure its continuance.
§ Mr. MacFarlaneAs I understand it, the chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board, Lord Plummer, is still considering with the owner of Aintree how, and if, the fixture of the Grand National can be assured.
Until these negotiations have been completed I see little constructive purpose in calling together those interested organisations listed by the hon. Member, some of whom. I have already been in contact with.