§ Sir Charles MorrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the law governing licences for the installation of amusement machines; and whether the Government proposes to review the law in this area.
§ Mr. John Patten[holding answer 17 April 1989]: We have received representations from a wide range of organisations and individuals concerning the provisions of the Gaming Act 1968 as they apply to amusement-with-prizes machines, in particular on the question of possible excessive involvement of children and young people in playing such machines. As a result we undertook a review, including research by the Home Office research and planning unit, during 1987–88 and we announced our conclusions on 28 July 1988 at columns 423–24. The results of the research showed that, while for a small minority of young people public concern is well-founded, the scale of the problem does not justify legislation. We have, however, initiated various steps, including consultation with all interested parties, to deal with problems identified in the review.
We have also received representations to allow amusement-with-prizes machines in licensed betting offices, but have no current plans to do so.