Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many times he or officials in his Department have met the European Commission to discuss the introduction of a horse racing betting levy for online gambling since May 2010; and if he will make a statement.

DCMS officials have met with officials from the European Commission twice during 2014 to discuss proposals to extend the Horserace Betting Levy to offshore remote operators. Engagement with Commission officials has continued throughout this period, facilitated by BIS and UKRep. I have not held any discussions with the Commission on this issue.