What is the hose that goes from the washing machine drum to the back panel of the washing machine?

I have an old hoover 1500 washing machine and it was leaking. We found the big hose that goes from the drum to the back panel of the washing machine was split in several places. I dont know what its for but obviously water runs up it at some stage of the cycle usually about the time of the rince cycles. will I be able to replace it?