§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many occasions during the past 12 months Ministers or civil servants within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have been in contact with the owners or operators of gambling casinos in the United States; and what subjects have been discussed. [HL4851]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeySince the publication of the report of the Gambling Review Body (Cm 5206) in July 2001, the department has undertaken a very extensive programme of consultations with interested bodies about options and proposals for changes to gambling law in Great Britain. There have been two formal public consultations, the first on the review body's report and the second on the draft clauses published for pre-legislative scrutiny in November 2003.
In addition to these consultations, the relevant government departments have corresponded with and met individual companies (including those which have expressed an interest in trading in Great Britain as well as those already doing so), trade associations, charities and other bodies concerned with problem gambling or who benefit from lotteries, local authorities, trade unions, law enforcement agencies, academics and many other bodies and individuals, including members of the public, with an interest. These contacts, designed to ensure that the Government's policy proposals are sound and take full account of all relevant benefits, cost and risks, have involved both Ministers and officials. Discussions covered all aspects of gambling regulation.