HC Deb 21 June 1994 vol 245 cc73-4W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to relax the present advertising restrictions for bingo halls to allow advertising(a) in newspapers, (b) on the radio, (c) on television, (d) on bill boards and (e) through local signage, other than that presently permitted to a certain distance from the halls themselves;

(2) what plans he has to abolish the requirement for 24-hour advance membership of bingo halls.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

I understand that these matters are the subject of discussions between the Bingo Association of Great Britain and the Gaming Board for Great Britain. I will await the outcome of those discussions before considering proposals for relaxation of the restrictions.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will bring forward proposals to allow payment of prizes up to the current £6 limit from amusement-with-prizes machines to be made in cash, rather than replayable tokens, in England and Wales.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

This matter is under review.

Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to relax the restrictions on siting amusement-with-prizes machines in betting shops, pubs, casinos and private clubs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

We are reviewing current policy on siting of amusement-with-prizes machines in betting shops. The outcome of the review will be made known once a decision is reached. Changes to primary legislation would be required.

These machines are already sited widely in public houses and other premises. Casinos and members' clubs are eligible for two jackpot gaming machines.

Mr. David Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the suitability of the present £6 limit for amusement-with-prizes machines in relation to the level of prize payments from society lottery scratch cards; and what plans he has to increase the pay-out limit.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Amusement-with-prizes machines are intended to provide amusement as opposed to a form of gambling for significant amounts of money and are not analogous to society lottery scratch cards. The limits for machines are, however, kept under review.