§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Gaming Board has endorsed the changes to the controls over gambling announced on 27 February. [18454]
§ Mr. KirkhopeThe proposals are those of the Government. Nonetheless the Gaming Board has told me that it welcomes the Government's initiative in considering to what extent the controls on casinos and bingo clubs in the Gaming Act 1968 continue to meet present day requirements and in making proposals where the Government believe that controls can be updated or relaxed. The board also welcomes the fact that the Government are putting out their proposals for wide public consultation.
732WThere is much in the consultation paper published on 27 February with which the board agrees and it will be able to support many of the proposals. There are several significant matters which the board has been asked to discuss with the industries concerned before proposals are finalised; and there are issues on which the board will wish to consider carefully the stance it should adopt.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with the Gaming Board over the relaxation of regulations on casinos and other locations for gambling. [18455]
§ Mr. KirkhopeWe have had regular contact with the Gaming Board during the drafting of the proposals in the consultation paper published on 27 February. In particular, the board provided professional advice and comment on the factual analysis underpinning the document and on the practicability of various options for change. Its comments were taken into account in preparing the final version.