Clause 33 - Territorial application
Gambling Bill
9:30 am
Mr Richard Page (South West Hertfordshire, Conservative)
In view of the fallout of my remarks during a previous sitting, I shall be more circumspect today.
The Minister will remember that one reason why I firmly support the general principle of the Bill is that technology has moved on. Life has become much more exciting and, if we do not have proper gambling legislation to regulate the new technologies, we will not only be in several difficulties in respect of the moral and financial aspects of gambling, but drive the operators and their businesses offshore. So, I support my hon. Friend. This clause should be read in conjunction with clause 84(2).
We must understand that, because of the way in which the technology has developed, the legislation that we produce will almost inevitably always be behind the curve; the technology will be there, and we shall have to try to license and regulate it. Unless we get it right, there is a danger that people will take their business elsewhere. My hon. Friend mentioned the location of banking facilities, and if they are not in one place, there is no reason why the management systems will not follow them.
The mobility of interactive and internet activities is an aspect of internationality that is not, I think, fully understood. Australia is desperately trying to keep out a certain internet betting exchange, but as night follows days, it will not succeed. Those in Australia who want to use such betting exchanges will inevitably achieve their aim in some shape of form. The Australian authorities must simply try to ensure that exchanges are run as well as possible under their control and their regulations, and that they are not located in some other country.
I would be grateful if the Minister fleshed out as far as possible what the clause will mean. My hon. Friend mentioned the regulatory and tax regimes, which must be set at an appropriate level so that companies—obviously, this includes British companies—will be interested in locating their offshore activities in the UK. That would bring with it the advantages that we discussed, such as inward investment, job creation and new revenue for the Treasury. Indeed, I understand that given the way things are going, the Treasury desperately needs more money to fund its programme for the future.
I therefore look forward to the Minister's comments and particularly to his assuring the companies that will be looking at banking regimes and at where to locate their headquarters.