§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff working in casinos were consulted in the preparation of the draft regulatory impact assessment on the proposal to extend casino opening hours; what their responses were; and if he will place in the Library a summary of their views. [111312]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienBefore publishing the draft regulatory impact assessment (RIA) in November 1999, we did not ourselves consult casino staff directly, but the draft did take account of the British Casino Association's forecast of likely staff reaction. The publication of the draft has provided an opportunity for staff themselves to comment, and a number have done so. We have received about 3,000 representations opposing the change, mostly from staff and interested unions, and are now considering them. If we decide to proceed with the deregulation order proposal, we shall publish with it a final RIA, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.