2. Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last met representatives of the bookmakers and betting industry to discuss relative problems in the industry; and if he will make a statement. [691]
§ The Paymaster General (Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory)I have met representatives of the British Horseracing Board, the Horserace Betting Levy Board, the Bookmakers' committee, the British Greyhound Racing Board, the British Betting Office Association and the Betting Office Licensees Association over the past few weeks. I have listened to their concerns and I shall take their representations into account in advising my right hon. and learned Friend The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Mr. O'BrienHas the Minister seen the report published by the Henley centre advising on the impact of the national lottery on the off-course betting industry? Many of my constituents who work in the betting industry are fearful of their jobs as there is no longer a level playing field. Almost 20,000 jobs could be lost because of the impact of the national lottery, while Camelot's after-tax profit is now £1 million per week. When will the Minister do something to protect jobs in the betting industry?
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryYes, I read that report and I am aware of the industry's view of the effect of the national lottery in particular on turnover, profitability and employment in the betting and horseracing industry. Those points will be taken into account, together with other considerations, by my right hon. and learned Friend on Tuesday.
§ Mr. SpringMay I thank my hon. Friend and the Treasury for the substantial help that has been given to the horseracing industry and to employment creation in the past few years, representing as I do Newmarket, the world headquarters of horseracing? However, bearing in mind the severe impact of the national lottery on the betting industry, will he consider liberalising the regime for betting shops when he has discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage?
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy hon. Friend had an Adjournment debate on the subject earlier this month. I passed on his concerns about duty rates and the point that he has just mentioned about the need, as he sees it, for further deregulation and liberalisation of betting and particularly the request by the bookmaking industry to be able to accept bets on the national lottery. I shall ensure that those points are relayed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage.