Oral Answers to Questions

Laurence Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

A suitable replacement would have to be sustainable, enforceable and, as the hon. Gentleman says, legally sound. I will of course seek advice from every quarter.

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

I am grateful to the Minister for pointing out how many thousands of jobs the horse racing industry creates and sustains each and every year. The levy is largely collected from bookmakers’ shops, the number of which has halved in the last 20 years, falling from a peak of about 17,000 to 8,500. Does the Minister agree that it is important for us to see the debate about machines and gambling in proportion, and for it to be evidence-based, so that we do not lose any more shops and, as a result, jobs in the betting and horse racing industries?

[Mrs Grant]

The horse racing industry is a great British success story enjoyed by millions, including me, and I agree with what my hon. Friend says.