§ Mr. PageTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the payments made by off-course bookmakers to greyhound racing since 1 April following the reduction in general betting duty.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave him on 11 June, at column234.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the funds resulting from the quarter per cent. reduction in general betting duty has been set aside as part of the 31st betting levy scheme; whether the sum made available to greyhound racing will be proportionate to the amount of off-course betting duty attributable to greyhound racing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe determination of the 31st levy scheme took into account the reduction in general betting duty on horserace bets, estimated to represent about 72 per cent of total off-course betting turnover in 1990–91. The size of any voluntary payments by bookmakers to376W greyhound racing following the reduction in general betting duty is a matter for negotiation between the two parties. We understand that those negotiations are under way and have asked to be informed of the outcome.