HC Deb 15 December 1988 vol 143 c717W
86. Mr. Duffy

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much progress has been made in discussions over the 28th horserace betting levy scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

The chairman of the Horserace Betting levy Board and the Bookmakers' Committee have been asked to submit written representations about the disputed 28th levy scheme to us by 16 December. Each side will then be invited to comment on the other's memorandum of representations. We intend also to make available to both sides any other representations which we receive about the dispute. It will be open to either side to comment on such representations as it wishes. If either side to the dispute wishes to add to its written representations any further points at a meeting with my right hon. Friend, it is our intention to ensure that both sides are represented at any such meeting. This will afford each side the opportunity to comment on points made by the other.