Clause 150 - Making of application
Gambling Bill
3:30 pm
Mr Don Foster (Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Culture, Media & Sport; Bath, Liberal Democrat)
I looked at the other amendments in this group, and although I am technically moving the lead amendment, I shall not support it if a Division is called, because I can already predict the Minister's response. However, the group of amendments contains amendment No. 2, which is in my name.
One of the things that I find slightly surprising about debate on the Bill is that great mention is made throughout by the Government of the huge regenerative benefits that will flow from the deregulation measures relating to gambling. Before we heard of the proposals to cap the number of regional casinos, we heard talk of 80,000 jobs and millions of pounds generated for the economy. Others were sceptical about whether that would happen; many have seen the Henley centre report, which pours a great deal of cold water on some of the Government's predictions. It is interesting that even the explanatory notes point out that, although there might be financial benefits on the one hand, there might be some losses on the other. There is clearly much debate and doubt surrounding the issue.
Amendment No. 2 would ensure that nothing would go ahead unless clear, demonstrable evidence could be provided of the regenerative benefits that will accrue. It is a simple amendment that would add a requirement for clear evidence of regenerative benefits if something is to happen. One would hope that that evidence would be independently audited and not just provided by the potential casino operator.
I am particularly conscious that we are in difficulty, because the Government intend to table major amendments on regional casinos, and they have said that they will consider measures to restrict the proliferation of large and small casinos—although we do not yet have the details of that. The Minister may be able to assure me that it will be appropriate when considering the details of the Government's amendments to refer to the regeneration benefits. Were he to do so, I would be more than happy to withdraw my amendment.