§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his most recent assessment of 633W the impact of the national lottery on the football pools industry; what plans he has to assist the pools industry; and if he will make a statement. [16296]
§ Mr. KirkhopeIn October 1995, the Pool Promoters Association estimated that the pools industry had lost 30 per cent. of its business since the introduction of the national lottery in November 1994.
The pools industry has benefited substantially from the Government deregulation initiative. In November 1994, the age limit for participation in the football pools was reduced from 18 to 16; the collection of football pools coupons in shops and other premises was legalised; and rollover of prize money was allowed. In March 1995, the prohibition on advertising the football pools on television and radio was lifted. In the Gaming Machines and Betting Office Facilities Order, which was put to the Deregulation Committee of the House in December 1995, we are proposing to allow the payment of football pools winnings in betting offices.
The pools industry has also benefited from reductions in pool betting duty. In May 1995, the duty was reduced from 37.5 per cent. to 32.5 per cent. In his Budget last November, my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a further reduction to 26.5 per cent.
We are currently considering a number of proposals for further relaxation of the restrictions on the pools which have been put forward by the industry. On one of these proposals, to revoke the regulation which prevents pools collectors from selling lottery tickets door to door, we have issued a consultation letter to interested parties.