HL Deb 01 May 2002 vol 634 c132WA
Lord Donoughue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their plans for the transition from the Gaming Board to the proposed gaming commission; and how they propose fully to use the accumulated skills and knowledge of the Gaming Board. [HL3957]

Baroness Blackstone

Following publication ofA safe bet for success (Cm 5397), the Government are pursuing discussions with the Gaming Board and other interested bodies to develop operational plans for the establishment of a new gambling commission. We have made clear our wish to ensure that the transition from one regulator to another is seamless, and that the new body can build effectively on the board's knowledge and skills. To this end we shall be assessing a number of transition options, including asking the board to act as a shadow commission in due course.

Lord Donoughue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who will fund the proposed new gaming commission during its start-up period before it generates its own funding. [HL3958]

Baroness Blackstone

Final decisions have not yet been taken on how best the necessary start-up costs of the proposed gambling commission should be met.