§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what data his Department has collated concerning addiction rates amongst(a) 16 to 18 year olds and (b) those aged over 18 years for (i) amusement with prizes machines, (ii) scratchcards and (iii) on-line lotteries. [32660]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe report Oflot published on 26 February covers gambling by 11–15 year olds on the National Lottery on-line draw, scratchcards and amusement-with-prizes machines.
There is no equivalent Government study of adults. Oflot has published regular research into player behaviour on the National Lottery.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the advice given to him by Dr. Mark Griffiths in respect of on-line frequent lotteries. [32661]
§ Mr. George HowarthA submission by Dr. Mark Griffiths on the social impact of on-line lotteries was sent to the Home Office on 13 February. We are carefully considering this, along with the other responses to our consultation paper.
§ Mr. FaberTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many organisations responded to his consultation process on the Draft Lotteries (Frequent Draws) Bill; how many supported his proposals; how many did not; and if he will publish a list of all responding organisations. [32659]
523W
§ Mr. George HowarthWe have received 116 responses. I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 513, and the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 19 February 1998, Official Report, column 791.