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Written question asked by Clive Efford (Labour) on Friday, 5 December 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 December 2014. It was answered by Helen Grant (Conservative) on Monday, 15 December 2014 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Horse Racing: Betting

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 2.113 of the Autumn Statement 2014, what assessment he has made of the consultation on the introduction of a horse racing betting levy for negotiations between his Department, UKRep and the European Commission on extending the existing horse racing betting levy to online companies; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

I have not held any discussions with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills or UKRep on this issue. I am determined to extend the Horserace Betting Levy to offshore operators. However simply extending the existing arrangements has proven more difficult than envisaged. Extension is now bound up with wider reform and we will seek to bring about extension either by reforming the Levy or replacing it with a racing right.

A consultation on a racing right will allow us to make a full comparison between reform and replacement. The consultation will be launched early in the New Year. Once we have a preferred option we will discuss that with the European Commission.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
217333
Session
2014-15
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Betting Horse racing Internet
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk