HL Deb 11 December 1997 vol 584 cc46-7WA
Earl Peel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what evidence the Home Secretary bases his view that the social risk associated with rapid draw lotteries makes their introduction in the United Kingdom unacceptable; and which experts he has consulted.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Successive large scale lottery draws, running in a rapid series through the day and operating simultaneously in a large number of different outlets, would have many of the characteristics of hard gambling. Their association with premises such as pubs, to which the public have ready access and where alcohol is freely available, is likely to encourage excessive participation. It is longstanding public policy that harder forms of gambling should be confined to specially licensed and appropriately controlled premises.

The Government have consulted the Gaming Board, the public body which regulates gambling including under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and which is its principal adviser on gambling regulation, the National Association for Gambling Care Educational Resources and Training (Gamcare) and the Director of the Centre for Research into the Social Impact of Gambling, University of Plymouth.

Baroness Mallalieu

asked Her Majesty's Government:

From which organisations and individuals representations have been received in relation to the introduction of a rapid draw lottery in licensed premises.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

As at 8 December, we have received representations about rapid draw lotteries from the following:

Action Research, Addiction Counselling World: Addiction Recovery Foundation; The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust; Lord Ashley of Stoke (President of the charity Defeating Deafness); Blindcare; Brainwave; Chemical Dependency Centre; Children in Crisis; Children's Unit Appeal (East Somerset NHS Trust); Counsel and Care; Crown Leisure plc; Cystic Fibrosis Trust; Defeating Deafness; Disability Advice and Welfare Network; The Drug and Alcohol Foundation; Lord Elton (Chairman of the DIVERT Trust); The European Children's Trust; Dr. Sue Fisher, Director of the Centre for Research into the Social Impact of Gambling (Plymouth University); The Gaming Board, Help the Hospices; Holiday Care Service; Inter Lotto (UK) Ltd.; Institute of Charity Fundraising Managers; the Lotteries Council; MENCAP; the Methodist Church; National Association for Gambling, Care, Educational Resources and Training (GAMCARE); National Council for Social Concern; National Council for Voluntary Organisations; Osteopathic Centre for Children; Rainbow Trust; The Royal British Legion; St. Ann's Hospice, The Samaritans; Sound Seekers; The Earl of Stockton (on behalf of Chemical Dependency Centre); and Treloar Trust.

In addition we have received letters from nine Members of Parliament and four members of the public.