Written question asked by Lord Fearn (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 March 2001. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to introduce legislation to reduce the administrative burden on the bingo industry.

Answer: Mr. Fearn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to reduce the administrative burden on the bingo industry. [153765] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The Government published a consultation document on 6 November 2000 with proposals for deregulating the bingo industry. The document suggested the abolition of the existing requirement for licensed bingo clubs to notify the licensing authority of changes in their charges to players 14 days in advance. It also suggested allowing licensed bingo clubs to have both jackpot and amusements with prizes gaming machines instead of either one or the other, and increasing the possible number of prizes available in games of multiple bingo. The consultation period ended on 16 February 2001 and we have been considering the responses that we received. We now intend to lay an Order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 that would give effect to the changes outlined in the consultation document.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 364 c692-3W; 153765
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Bingo Fees and charges Licensing Gaming machines Gaming Prize money Regulation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk