§ 6. Mr. John Huntasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received, pursuant to his study into the recommendations of the Royal Commission on gambling, in connection with the maximum prizes for gaming machines in public houses.
§ Mr. RaisonWe have received representations from right hon. and hon. Members, from the National Union of Licensed Victuallers and from registered clubs.
§ Mr. HuntWhy has the Government's response so far on this matter been so mean and negative? Does my right hon. Friend really believe that to increase the jackpot on gaming machines in public houses to a modest £10 will somehow turn London into a Las Vegas?
§ Mr. RaisonLondon would still be some way off Las Vegas in those circumstances. The Royal Commission recommended that maximum prizes in pubs should be the same as in amusement arcades. The basis of the policy has always been that there is some difference between places to which there is unrestricted access and places where it is possible to control access through membership.
§ Mr. AlexanderIs there not an argument for equating the prizes with those obtainable in licensed clubs? Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that pubs had a particularly bad year in 1981 and that they will be hit hard by the tax on beer and spirits? Does he agree that, unless an element of equality is brought in, many public houses, which could remain open if this reform came in, will close?
§ Mr. RaisonI appreciate my hon. Friend's argument, which has been stressed by the licensed victuallers. We take the view that there is a difference in the means of control available as between clubs and pubs. However, we are considering the whole matter in the context of whether there is to be future gambling legislation.