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Dept of National Heritage

Answer

Mr. Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will assist the football pools industry from the receipts of the national lottery, with special reference to measures to assist those recently made redundant in the industry; if she will consult representatives of the pools industry regarding this matter; and if she will make a statement.[30475] Mr. Sproat: It was recognised during the passage of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 that the pools companies would face a considerable challenge when the lottery was up and running. Government has, therefore, made important changes to their regulatory and tax regime to help the Pools firms compete effectively. These are: lowering the minimum age for play from 18 to 16; allowing pools companies to advertise on television and radio; allowing pools companies to roll over jackpots not won; allowing them to sell coupons in retail outlets; and, most importantly, reducing the rate of pools betting duty by 10 per cent. A measure allowing the payment of football pools winnings in licensed betting offices is expected to come into force this summer. The Home Office are also considering further deregulatory measures proposed by the Pools Promoters Association and are consulting with them and my Department about this matter. All areas and sections of society are benefitting from the funds raised by the lottery for the five good causes. There are no current plans to change the beneficiaries or the method of distributing national lottery funds to allow the pools industry to benefit directly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

30475; 278 c298-9W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Football pools National Lottery Redundancy Taxation Pools Promoters' Association