§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has had any approaches from members of the public or punters' associations in favour of evening opening of betting shops.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIn the year ending 30 September 1991, we received no direct representations in favour of evening opening of licensed betting offices from members of the public or any association representing punters.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has had in favour of the evening opening of betting offices; and what interests they represent.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIn the year ending 30 September 1991, we received one direct representation from an independent bookmaker in favour of evening opening of licensed betting offices. We are also aware that a number of organisations expressed their support for evening opening in the course of the Home Affairs Committee's recent inquiries into the levy on horseracing.
§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will extend the consultative period over the evening opening of betting offices.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe should be willing to arrange for written comments to be received after 29 November if any organisations are unable to submit them by that date. Until all written comments have been received, it is not possible to predict what further consultations may be necessary nor how long they may take to complete.