Written question asked by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2004. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Monday, 12 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps are being taken to (a) identify and (b) reduce the number of Lottery retailers who are selling Lottery products to under 16 year olds.

Answer: John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps are being taken to (a) identify and (b) reduce the number of Lottery retailers who are selling Lottery products to under 16- year-olds. [183010] Estelle Morris: Camelot have in place a number of measures, agreed with the National Lottery Commission. These include an extensive test-purchasing programme, in which Lottery tickets are bought by 16- year-olds who look younger. During the second licence period Camelot have committed to undertaking 10,000 test purchases a year (twice the number in the first licence period). Camelot also work with trading standards officers, and will suspend the use of Lottery terminals where retailers have sold Lottery products to under age players. Camelot also provides retailers with training on preventing underage play and display materials to reinforce the message; and runs a hotline enabling the public to report concerns about possible cases of unauthorised sales.

Secondary information