§ 2.46 p.m.
§ Lord Peyton of Yeovilasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of total gambling in the United Kingdom is taken up by the National Lottery and what percentage of the total duty on gambling paid to HM Customs and Excise arises from that source.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, there is no reliable central record of expenditure on gambling. A number of government departments record information on betting and gaming, and some is not recorded at all. However, the best estimate that we can make suggests that the National Lottery accounts for up to 20 per cent. of the total stake on betting and gaming in the United Kingdom. From January 1995 to the end of May this year, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has collected over £1.37 billion in duty from the lottery. That represents about 37 per cent. of all duty on gambling paid to Customs and Excise since January 1995.
§ Lord Peyton of YeovilMy Lords, perhaps I may say how flattered I am that a Question of mine should again have attracted the attention of the noble Lord opposite. I am not quite sure how roving his commission is, but I am glad to be included in it. On this occasion all I wish—and I hope that the noble Lord will be prepared to do this—is for him to admit, on behalf of the Exchequer, that it is a very fortunate beneficiary of a very well-run operation.
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, the appreciation is mutual. I am delighted to have the noble Lord continuing to ask Questions which I have the privilege of answering. Of course both the Exchequer and the beneficiaries of the various National Lottery distribution boards are all glad that the lottery is a success.
§ Baroness RawlingsMy Lords, can the Minister say what plans Her Majesty's Government have to extend Camelot's licence to other forms of gambling?
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyMy Lords, we have no plans to extend Camelot's licence. Camelot can come to us at any stage and ask for extensions to its licence, and we shall consider any application that it makes.