Written question asked by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 January 2002. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2002 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To 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. - Includes fact that an announcement will be made as soon as practicable.

Answer: Ian Lucas: To 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. Caborn: The 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 given to a scheme in accordance with the requirements of the Act. An announcement will be made as soon as practicable.

Secondary information