Written question asked by Anthony D Wright (Labour) on Monday, 17 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 January 2008. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Monday, 7 January 2008 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Gambling

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic effect of the Gambling Act 2005 on seaside arcades.

Answer: My Department is engaging in active and constructive dialogue with the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, the main trade body which represents the gaming machines and seaside arcades sector, and other trade bodies with an interest in the sector, such as the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, to gain a full understanding of the current trading conditions in the gaming machine and seaside arcades sector.I have made it clear to these organisations that I will be happy to consider any evidence they can provide in relation to the difficult trading conditions that some arcade operators say they are currently experiencing, and any proposals for remedial action.However, the Government's principal priority remains to protect the public. We will need to be satisfied that any proposals put forward for remedial action by the industry do not have an adverse impact in terms of the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005.

Secondary information