§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will introduce a betting levy for the financial year 2002–03 to help support the horse racing industry. [28309]
§ Mr. CabornThe Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, as amended, provides that if the Horserace Betting Levy Board does not approve, by 31 October each year, a scheme for the following financial year under which bookmakers pay a levy on betting on horse racing, the Secretary of State has a duty to determine a scheme. Such a duty has now arisen, and consideration is being given622W to a scheme in accordance with the requirements of the Act. An announcement will be made as soon as practicable.