HC Deb 30 November 1995 vol 267 cc816-7W
Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will estimate the number of national lottery outlets selling scratchcards to under 16-year-olds. [1970]

Mr. Sproat

My Department cannot estimate the number of national lottery outlets selling scratchcards to under 16-year-olds. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has, under section 11 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993, issued a direction to the Director General of the National Lottery, that no licence should be granted which authorises the promotion of any lottery, which does not allow for sufficient controls to prevent persons who have not attained the age of 16 from participating. I have therefore asked the director general to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.