Write to Your M.P

As advised at the meeting between the R.A.C. and the recognised motor clubs, we wrote to our M.P. about the return of Donington Park to its owners. Below we publish this correspondence. The result is not very encouraging, but we shall be interested to learn if readers have had more promising replies. Our letter read :—

4th October, 1945.

Major York, M.P.,
House of Commons.

Dear Sir,

I am anxious to bring to your notice the fact that while, since the cessation of hostilities, France has already held a motor-car road race and is planning to hold many more, Great Britain is still without a course where motor races may be held.

There is, in my mind, no doubt as to the value of motor-racing to a nation whose defence depends on military mechanisation. Also, from the viewpoint of the export market, it is imperative that the British Motor Industry (our second largest industry) should have a course where cars may be tested at high speed.

Are you aware, sir, that to-day no such course Is available in this country? At a meeting of the recognised motor clubs at the Royal Automobile Club on September 28th last, Mr. F. G. Craner, clerk, of the course at Donington Park, stated that this course is ready for use as soon as the military will give it up. Lord Howe, chairman of the R.A.C. Competitions Committee, has stressed the value of this road circuit to the country, not only as a testing ground, but as a national sports centre which before the war provided entertaimnent for 600,000 persons annually, apart from the large numbers of cyclists and campers accommodated there.

Will you, sir, please inform me what steps you propose to take to obtain for us the return of Donington Park.

I propose to publish a copy of this letter in Motor Sport, and I will gladly give equal prominence to your reply, the favour of which I await with pleasure.

I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
W. Boddy, Editor.

Major York replied as follows:

Marston Manor,
Long Marston,
York.

5th October, 1945.

Dear Mr. Boddy,

Thank you for your letter about Motor Racing. I think the proper Authority to present a case to the Government on this question is the R.A.C. or the Standing Joint Committee

It Is somewhat outside the province of a private Member of Parliament.

Yours sincerely.,

C. York.