§ Viscount Davidsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have for consulting interested parties about the deregulatory proposals put forward by the greyhound industry.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)We have today issued two consultation documents which seek views on a number of deregulatory measures suggested by the greyhound industry. The first covers possible changes to Section 19 of the68WA Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 which currently prevent track owners from having an interest in the bookmaking at their own tracks.
The second covers a number of proposals for change: inter-track betting, advance betting, changes to ticket restrictions, changes to pool display, restrictions and abolition of the requirement for public auditors to attend tracks while racing is taking place. We have arranged for copies of the consultation documents to be placed in the Library of the House. Respondents are asked to reply by the end of April.