§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to widen the scope of his discussions on the 28th levy scheme and the feasibility study into the privatisation of the Horserace Totalisator Board to encompass an inquiry into the finances of both horse and greyhound racing.
§ Mr. HurdNo. I do not believe that it would be practicable or necessary to hold such an inquiry in deciding what the 28th horserace betting levy scheme should be. The feasibility study on privatising the Horserace Totalisator Board takes account of the implications of privatisation for the regulation of gambling and the health of horseracing. I understand that Lloyds Merchant Bank, which is conducting the study, has already had the benefit of views on the circumstances of horse and greyhound racing from the British Greyhound410W Racing Board. I am considering separately a request from that board for an inquiry into the off-course betting industry and its relationship to the finances of both forms of racing.