§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date in February 1980 he received a letter from the National Union of Licensed 26W Victuallers; on what date he sent a formal acknowledgement note of receipt; when a substantive reply was sent; whether this was before or after the hon. Member for Newham, North-West wrote to him about this subject on 7 September 1981; and how soon he anticipates that the question of jackpot prizes on amusement machines in public houses will be dealt with.
§ Mr. Whitelaw:A letter from the Brewers Society enclosing a joint memorandum on behalf of the brewers and the licensed trade was received on 19 February 1980, and a reply was sent on 28 February 1980. I have since made clear in replies to parliamentary questions that the joint document would be taken into account in considering the recommendations of the Royal Commission on gambling on amusement with prizes machines. A change of the kind proposed would require legislation of a controversial nature and I cannot say when parliamentary time would be available for it.