Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 June 2011. It was answered by John Penrose (Conservative) on Monday, 27 June 2011 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Horserace Totalisator Board

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will increase the proportion of funds to be returned to racing from the sale of the Tote; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Government have no plans to increase beyond 50% the share of the net proceeds of the sale of the Tote that they intend to return to racing. This is the same proportion which was originally proposed by the previous Administration when they created the necessary legislation for the sale to proceed and, now that a substantially higher price has been achieved than was originally expected, should represent a windfall of approximately £90 million for racing.

Secondary information