§ Lord Joplingasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will encourage the racecourse owners, collectively, to take over the Tote, with a view to establishing a Tote monopoly on British racecourses, and directing more money into the racing industry. [HL2820]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)In accepting the recommendations of the Tote Review Steering Group, the Government have rejected the possibility of the Tote being transferred to racing without consideration. However, the respective legitimate interests of the taxpayer and racing will be the subject of further discussion and consultation during the detailed evaluation of sale options for the Tote, amongst which is the possibility of a sale to racing or specific bodies within racing.