20. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with betting licence authorities in Scotland in connection with the Horserace Totalisator and Betting Levy Boards Bill.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNone, Sir.
Mr. TaylorIs my hon. Friend aware that under Clause 3 one of the State betting shops could be established in an area where the local licensing authority had refused an identical application from 1500 a commercial betting shop? Does not that call for a great deal of thought? Is my hon. Friend reconsidering the future of the Bill?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have met representatives of betting interests in Scotland and I am considering their representations. It is not intended that the Tote should be able to open betting offices indiscriminately but only, as is provided under Clause 3, under a certificate issued by the Government-appointed members of the Betting Levy Board who, in issuing the certificates, will have regard to the criteria that are approved by the Government.