§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the law governing amusement arcades to give more power to local authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 31 October 1994]: I have received some representations on this matter which I am considering.
The law is set out in section 34 and schedule 9 to the Gaming Act 1968. The grant of a permit for an amusement arcade is at the discretion of the local authority, but a permit cannot be refused without giving the applicant the opportunity of a hearing. There is no power to attach conditions to the grant of a permit. There is a right to appeal to the Crown court against refusal to grant a permit.
Renewal of permits may be refused only on certain limited grounds, such as that the authority has been denied access to inspect the premises.