Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Bill

Ian Swales Excerpts

Wednesday 26th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

I know that my hon. Friend, as a former jockey, has a deep and intimate knowledge of the industry. He makes an excellent point and that is precisely why we are making these reforms.

[Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD)]

Following on from the intervention of the hon. Member for Hexham (Guy Opperman), is the Minister aware of the damage that has been done to racing by bookmakers moving offshore and not paying the levy, and will she join me and Redcar race course in welcoming the fact that racing will be more healthy as a result of these measures?

[Mrs Grant]

My hon. Friend makes a very important point. We have to look after racing. It is an important industry that provides many jobs. This is a sensible move, making a level playing field for all operators.

At the same time, we will develop wider levy reform options and publish a consultation in the summer. The consultation will seek views on a range of options, which are likely to include commercial arrangements, modernising the existing levy and a horse race betting right. The amendment is about collecting the horserace betting levy in a fair and consistent way.