§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on the gaming industry and its potential role in the regeneration of coastal towns in the UK: and what recent discussions she has had with gaming companies; [68240]
(2) which coastal resorts in the United Kingdom are to be locations for resort casinos; and what assistance will be given to companies to encourage them to locate there; [68340]
(3) what proposals she has for a pilot project for a gaming designated area; and if she will make a statement on the progress of the development of casinos and gaming shops in coastal areas. [68241]
§ Mr. CabornUnder our proposals for reform of the laws governing gambling in Great Britain, as set out in "A Safe Bet for Success", current statutory barriers to the establishment of resort casinos—whether in coastal towns or elsewhere—would be removed. Whether such casinos870W are established will be primarily determined by local authorities, exercising planning and premises licensing responsibilities, and prospective operators themselves, in considering whether and where to make the necessary investment. My Department has had a number of discussions with prospective operators, who anticipate that resort casino developments could have a part to play in local regeneration strategies. It is not, however, the Government's intention to establish a pilot project or to make any special arrangements to encourage the establishment of a resort casino in any individual location.