§ Mr. McKelveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to consult interested parties about the proposals to deregulate the controls on betting on greyhound racing.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythWe have today issued a consultation document which gives details of the proposed changes to the law controlling betting on greyhound racing. These will give consumers a wider range of betting opportunities and remove the outdated restrictions governing betting on the sport. At the same time we shall ensure that sufficient safeguards are maintained to protect consumers.
One of the key benefits is the proposed introduction of a new system of inter-track tote betting. Customers will have the freedom to bet into large linked pools on races at other licensed tracks. There will be provision for local authorities to oversee the operation of inter-track betting.
The other deregulatory measures, such as removal of the requirement for an accountant to be present whenever totes are operated, represent sensible improvements in the current controls. Such changes will not, in the view of those representatives of local authorities previously consulted, interfere with the proper supervision of tote betting at greyhound tracks.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, we propose to bring forward these changes by means of a draft order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out 701W Act 1984. Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries.