Mr. HinchcliffeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors have led to the delay in issuing ordinary gaming machine licences to applicants who have paid appropriate duty.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe delay in issuing some licences has been caused by two reasons. The first is an increase in the number of traders making errors on their applications, following the change in the law which resulted in more flexible licensing periods and start dates. The second is a fault in a computer program in the new system at the licensing centre which caused rejection of some batches of applications. A revised program is currently under going test.