HC Deb 26 February 1999 vol 326 c455W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the British Horseracing Levy Board's financial plan. [73513]

Mr. George Howarth

It is the British Horseracing Board (BHB) which has produced a financial plan for British racing. We are having constructive discussions with the Chairman of the BHB on the issues it raises.

Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the British Horseracing Levy Board; and what was discussed. [73514]

Mr. George Howarth

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the Horserace Betting Levy Board in October 1997. I met the Board on 24 March 1998 and have subsequently had several meetings with the Chairman—most recently on 23 February. We discussed a range of betting and racing issues which impinge on the Board's work.