HC Deb 03 May 1973 vol 855 cc1439-40
6. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to introduce amendments to Section 45 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963.

Mr. Carlisle

Any amendment of this section must await the outcome of the current general review of the lotteries law.

Mr. Ewing

The current review has been going on for about 18 months or two years. May I enter a plea for urgency on behalf of nearly all Scottish football clubs which are dependent on income from lotteries to bring their grounds up to crowd safety standards? Does the hon. and learned Gentleman consider the £750 limit on the sale of tickets, which has been eroded by application of 10 per cent. VAT on printing costs, is adequate to meet the needs of bringing these grounds up to the required standards of safety?

Mr. Carlisle

There is undoubtedly a case for considering the limits under Section 45. I do not dispute that for a moment. I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Member that the review which has been taking place by an inter-departmental working party of officials has now been completed and that it has reported to Ministers. The Government are now considering what the next step before consultation should be.