§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to control the introduction of prizes machines into specified premises and to prohibit amusement arcades in certain areas where local authorities consider these to be detrimental to the interests of the area and its inhabitants.
§ Mr. Whitelaw:Local authorities already have power under the Gaming Act 1968 to refuse to grant or renew permits for amusements with prizes machines in specified classes of premises. This power does not extend to premises used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements, but under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 local authorities have power in certain circumstances to refuse to grant or renew permits for such places. I have no present plans for changes in the law in this area.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to regulate the installation and use of electronic amusement machines in premises open to the public.
§ Mr. WhitelawElectronic amusement machines which do not give prizes do not fall within the ambit of the gaming laws. I do not consider that it would be appropriate to extend this legislation outside the field of gambling.