§ Baroness Whartonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have for improving dialogue with the horse industry, particularly in relation to health, welfare, taxation and betting, in order to influence the priority of equine matters within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and communication, co-ordination and decision making. [HL226]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)No single Whitehall department is responsible for the sponsorship and development of the horse industry as a whole. The Ministers and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food already engage in parts of dialogue with the horse industry. Health and welfare issues were among the subjects discussed at a meeting between the Equine Liaison Group and senior veterinary officials from the Ministry on 2 November 1998, at which many horse industry organisations were represented.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is not responsible for taxation or betting. Officials from the Inland Revenue do not hold regular meetings with the equine industry, but are always prepared to meet representatives of the industry to discuss specific taxation issues. The Home Office holds meetings as required with the industry to discuss horse racing and betting issues, normally in conjunction with the British Horse Racing Board.
111WAI myself met representatives of the horse industry on 22 December 1998 and on 19 January 1999. Between them they covered the British Equine Federation, British Horseracing Board, the Horse Societies, the Sporting horse sector, and breeding and equine veterinary interests. I propose to continue such personal contacts.