§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the National Union of Licensed Victuallers concerning an increase in the amount of prize money that can be paid out by amusement with prizes machines in public houses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawI received a document prepared jointly by the National Union of Licensed Victuallers, the Brewers' Society and the Scottish Licensed Trade urging that the maximum prize on amusement with prizes machines in public houses be increased from £1 to £10. This proposal is being taken into account in my consideration of the recommendation by the Royal Commission on gambling for a change in the prize structure for amusement with prizes machines. In the meantime, I have made an order increasing to £2 the maximum prize on all amusement with prizes machines, including those in public houses. The purpose of this increase, which comes into effect on 16 February, is to maintain the real value of prizes available on these machines.