§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will propose legislation to remove limits on the level of prizes and the frequency of games for linked and multiple bingo games in the Gaming Act 1968; [141070]
(2) if he will propose legislation to remove limits on added prize money from the Gaming Act 1968; [141072]
(3) if he will propose legislation to extend the term of a bingo club licence from one year to three years; [141076]
(4) if he will introduce legislation to simplify the system of charges in the Gaming Act 1968; [141071]
(5) if he will introduce legislation to remove existing restrictions on bingo; [141075]
(6) if he will introduce legislation to remove the 24 hour time limit before new members can play bingo. [141069]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI announced on 6 November 2000 that the Government were publishing a consultation document on proposals to deregulate certain aspects of the bingo industry. Our paper makes three proposals. It suggests abolishing the current requirement for licensed bingo clubs to notify the licensing authority of changes in their charges to players 14 days in advance; allowing clubs to have a mixture of jackpot and lower prize gaming machines; and amending the law on multiple bingo so that it can offer more than one national, regional and house prize.
The consultation period for these proposals ends on 16 February 2001. Subject to comments received, the Government plan to lay a draft Order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to give effect to them, for scrutiny by Parliament.
Earlier this year, we amended the statutory regulations which govern the charges which licensed bingo clubs may make to their players. This change has considerably simplified these arrangements.
In February this year, we announced an overall review of the controls on gambling in Great Britain. The review, chaired by Sir Alan Budd, is proceeding and it will report to the Home Secretary next summer. Aside from our proposed Order under the 1994 Act the Government have no plans to make any other changes to the Gaming Acts as they relate to licensed bingo prior to receiving this report.