Oral Answers to Questions — Dog Racing Restrictions

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 13 Mawrth 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Benn Levy Mr Benn Levy , Eton and Slough 12:00, 13 Mawrth 1947

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what are the results of the reconsideration which he has been giving to the ban imposed upon greyhound racing alone among all forms of entertainment; and what are the reasons for its present continuance.

Photo of Mr Ronald Chamberlain Mr Ronald Chamberlain , Lambeth Norwood

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he has now reached a decision in reference to the continuation or raising of the ban on greyhound racing.

Photo of Mr Frederick Erroll Mr Frederick Erroll , Altrincham and Sale

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power when he proposes to remove the ban on greyhound racing.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the total ban on greyhound racing can now, to some extent, be lifted.

Photo of Sir Gifford Fox Sir Gifford Fox , Henley

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will consider allowing the Oxford Stadium to open for a daylight meeting, which only consumes 85 units of electricity comprising 10 units for lighting, 50 for heating and 25 for power, since this would result in saving the use of electricity for radios in the homes of the spectators.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I have today made an Order amending the Control of Fuel (Dog Racecourse) Order, 1947, so as to permit the use of fuel, as defined in the Order at any dog racecourse in Great Britain on Saturdays and statutory holidays. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary proposes to make a statement on the matter at the end of Questions.

Photo of Mr Frederick Erroll Mr Frederick Erroll , Altrincham and Sale

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why dog racing, alone of weekday evening recreations, should be subject to a continued ban?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

That is not our intention, nor is that the arrangement, but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will deal with it later.

Photo of Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd Mr Alan Lennox-Boyd , Mid Bedfordshire

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is to happen to the entertainment of many thousands of workers who have statutory holidays in the middle of the week?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

All these matters will be dealt with by my right hon. Friend.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

Is the Minister aware that many people go to dog races for their entertainment and that a large number of dog racing employees are out of work in consequence of the ban?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

The Government are well aware of the situation, but we have to balance the provision of entertainment, as it is called, alongside the production needs of the country.

Photo of Sir Gifford Fox Sir Gifford Fox , Henley

Will the Minister answer the last part of my Question, No. 39? Is he aware that banning race meetings results in more electricity being used by would-be spectators? Is he aware that my constituents have lost confidence in him as a Minister, and will not co-operate so long as he is the Minister?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

As to the question of lost confidence, the electors lost confidence in the Conservative Party at the last Election.