§ Dawn PrimaroloI beg to move amendment No. 19, in page 5, leave out lines 35 to 40 and insert—
During an earlier debate on clause 11 on the Floor of the House, in response to points made by several hon. Members, particularly the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor), I undertook to re-examine the table in clause 11 and its specific impact on casinos outside London whose gross gaming yield was in the range of £5 million to £12 million annually. The hon. Gentleman said that the provision would have a damaging impact on casinos and cited the cases of casinos in his own constituency.
'TABLE Part of gross gaming yield Rate The first £450,000 2½ per cent. The next £1,000,000 12½ per cent. The next £1,000,000 20; per cent. The next £1,750,000 30 per cent. The remainder 40 per cent.' Government amendment No. 19 will replace the table in clause 11—which will substitute for the table of gaming duty rates in section 11(2) of the Finance Act 1997—introduce new 20 per cent. and 30 per cent. duty rate bands, and revise the gross gaming yield thresholds set out in clause 11.
I agreed to consider the matter further, and there have been discussions with the industry on how the objectives could be achieved. In the light of representations about the impact of the Budget changes on the casino industry, I have tabled the amendment. I should say that, unfortunately, the industry was itself unable to reach any consensus on the model that it would prefer. I suppose that I should not be surprised that a number of individual groups offered proposals that met their own objectives but not necessarily those of their competitors.
Government amendment No. 19 will reduce the burden on casinos that are within the £5 million to £12 million gross gaming duty range. The Government's amendment deals with the specific point that was raised and will significantly reduce the burden on casinos in that range. I ask the House to agree to the amendment.
§ Mr. Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks)Another day, another climbdown; we welcome it.
§ Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend, East)From the Back Benches, I should like to pay tribute to the Minister for the detailed consideration that she gave to the case that we advanced, and to assure her that her detailed consideration and great understanding of the matter are greatly appreciated. I should like her to know that Back Benchers very much appreciate the Government amendment. It is greatly welcome in Southend-on-Sea, where we have many problems.
§ Amendment agreed to.