§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors underlie the proposed 635W re-constitution of the Bookmakers' Committee; what representations he has received; and if he will make a statement. [73785]
§ Mr. George HowarthWe issued proposals in a consultation letter on 3 December. They sought a balance between the large bookmaking chains and organisations representing smaller bookmakers, taking into account size of membership, number of off-course shops, leviable turnover and levy paid.
We have received representations from Tyndallwoods solicitors (on behalf of the British Betting Office Association, the National Association of Bookmakers and the Scottish Independent Bookmakers' Association), the Betting Office Licensees Association, William Hill, Coral, Ladbroke and Stanley Leisure. We are currently considering them and will announce the outcome as soon as possible.