§ Mr. PageTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether future developments on the privatisation of the Horserace Totalisator Board, the allocation of shares in SIS and mergers within the off course bookmaking market will be frozen pending an announcement of an inquiry into racing finances.
§ Mr. John PattenMy right hon. Friend will announce his conclusions on the case for an inquiry into the long-term funding of racing when consideration is completed. The advice on the possible privatisation of the 403W Horserace Totalisator Board which we have received from Lloyds merchant bank is relevant to that consideration. The allocation of shares in Satellite Information Services is a matter for that company. There are no powers for the Secretary of State to make a general prohibition on merger activity in a particular sector, including the bookmaking industry.