§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the effect of his proposals to increase duties and fees on bingo and gaming machines for working men's clubs; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 9 July 1981]: Registered clubs may legally provide bingo only under conditions which carry exemption from duty, and should therefore not be affected by the increase in bingo duty. If they have gaming machines, the maximum additional duty will be between £25 and £200, a small proportion of average takings.
§ Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations with organisations representing working men's clubs took place before he announced his duty and licence fee increases on bingo and gaming machines; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Rees[pursuant to his reply, 9 July 1981]: There were no formal consultations with these organisations before my right hon. and learned Friend's announcement, but he is aware from previous representations of their views with regard to gaming machine licence duty. The change in bingo duty on 27 July should not affect working men's clubs; their views would be welcomed on the review of bingo duty exemptions which is to be undertaken by the commissioners of Customs and Excise.