Mr.
Ellwood: I realise that I am testing the Minister’s
patience.
Vice-Chamberlain
of Her Majesty's Household (Claire Ward): No, you are
testing
mine.
Mr.
Ellwood: Have you got somewhere to go?
The Minister
referred to the prevalence study. It states that the prevalence of
problem gambling for bingo is down at 3.1 per cent., while that for
slot machines is down at 2.6 per cent. Therefore, there is a higher
prevalence of problem gambling in bingo than in arcades, yet we are
today looking at increasing the number of B3s in bingo. The magnitude
is low in both cases, and there could have been an increase in the
number of B3 machines for both industries. Both industries are doing so
badly that they need Government support, and that is why we are baffled
today that the Minister has not included arcades with bingo in the B3
increase.
Mr.
Sutcliffe: Given that line of argument, do the
Conservative party want 16 machines for
bingo?
Mr.
Ellwood: I will send the Minister my press release. We
have made it clear that one fifth of all machines in any bingo or
arcade establishment could be B3. That is what the industry has been
asking for, and it is a shame that we are not debating such a
proposal.
Mr.
Sutcliffe: Obviously the issues are complex and will
create a great deal of debate another time. Broadly speaking, I
recognise the length of time it has taken to get to where we are now,
but the order will be a significant step towards promoting bingo and
trying to help it through a difficult time. I think that I have the
broad support of the Committee and I hope that hon. Members will
support the
order. Question
put and agreed
to. Resolved,
That the
Committee has considered the draft Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming
Machines in Bingo Premises) Order
2008. 5.26
pm Committee
rose.
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