29. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction at the lack of planning powers to control the opening of betting shops; and what action he proposes to take to strengthen the powers of local authoirties in this respect.
§ Sir K. JosephPlanning control is concerned with such matters as the impact of proposed development on the plan for the district, on the amenities of the area, on traffic, etcetera; and planning application for betting offices are considered from these angles. It is the licensing justices who may refuse an application for a betting office if they think that 651 sufficient provision has already been made in an area.
Mrs. ButlerSince the number of betting shops has increased from nearly 9,000 a year ago to something about three times that number, and since many of these shops are situated in areas where the authorities have, or have had, particular social problems, would the Minister consider how he can help local authorities to control this mushroom growth, which, as he must know, is particularly worrying in London and in the constituencies of many hon. Members?
§ Sir K. JosephThe licensing justices are the body responsible for judging whether there is justification in an area in the sense of demand for further betting offices. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has answered a series of Questions recently on the point made by the hon. Lady.