asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of public disquiet he will introduce legislation which will have the effect of making the doping of racehorses an indictable offence.

I have no reason to suppose that the practice referred to is of such a nature or is of such proportions as to justify me in proposing legislation adding new offences to the criminal law.

Has the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to a case recently reported in the Press where three trainers had their licences withdrawn by the Jockey Club because the horses in their care were found to be doped, and does not he agree that, if it was an indictable offence, the decision of a court of law would be a factor in determining whether or not the person concerned should be deprived of his livelihood?

No, Sir; I do not think that would bind the Stewards of the Jockey Club. As I understand it, the requirement of the Stewards is that the trainer is responsible for the care and health of the horse, and I am bound to say that I think that that is a very proper requirement to make.

Is my right hon. Friend taking any special precautions to see that the horse owned by the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition is not doped before the General Election, in view of the large quantity of dope in the proximity of the stables?

The stables in question are very near to my own place of abode, and I hope that my hon. Friend is making no personal reflection..

While it is not suggested that the Jockey Club acted wrongly in this matter, surely it is the duty of my right hon. Friend to take into account the position of people deprived of their livelihood without recourse to any appeal whatever?

No, Sir. I am not responsible for the employment of these people, nor for the rules under which they work.