Written question asked by Malcolm Moss (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 July 2006. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 24 July 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Horse Racing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the horserace betting levy with EU legislation.

Answer: The arrangements relating to the horserace betting levy were established before the UK joined the European Community. The European Commission keeps systems of aid under review in all member states but aids that pre-date a state's accession benefit from special rules. The Government are satisfied that the existing arrangements for the horserace betting levy are compatible with our obligations under the treaty establishing the European Community.

Secondary information