§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what costs have been incurred in administering game licences in each of the last four years for which figures are available; and what fee income was raised in each year. [155181]
§ Mr. BradshawThe estimated costs and revenue from game licensing for the last three years1 are given in the following table.
Number of licences Cost of administering (excluding VAT) (£) Gross revenue (£) 2001–02 48,385 261,900 251,884 2000–01 42,310 224,792 217,408 1999–2000 39,262 217,822 195,617 1There are no figures available for the years prior to 1999 and information for 2002–03 has yet to be received from the Post Office. These values refer to game licences issued by Post Offices in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In addition to the licences referred to above, district councils and London borough councils issue licences to deal in game. No figures are collected centrally for the numbers of licences issued by councils. We understand that arrangements and charges vary.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to review game(a) laws and (b) licences. [155175]
§ Mr. BradshawIt is our intention to review the game laws, including the licensing provisions established by the Game Licences Act, 1861. Announcements about timing and scope of a review and consultation arrangements will be made in due course.