David Gauke (Shadow Minister, Treasury; South West Hertfordshire, Conservative)

Thank you, Sir Nicholas. For a moment, you raised the hopes of some members of the Committee, given that play has now started at Lords.

The clause will increase the gross gaming yield bands for gaming duty in line with inflation for accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2008. I draw attention to bingo as one particular gaming activity. My hon. Friend the Member for Putney has worked closely with the bingo industry. She has done a lot of research and had meetings with industry members. I am sure that she regrets her inability to raise her points in person. The bingo industry is struggling, for a number of reasons, but particularly because of the Gambling Act 2005, which I accept is going to be reviewed, and various changes such as the smoking ban and so on. Times are difficult for bingo halls, which play an important role in many communities. They have been very popular. I am sure that we would all agree that it would be a great pity if bingo halls started going out of business.

The Government will set out their policy on gambling, particularly on gaming duty, which covers bingo, so I would be grateful to know if the Minister recognises the concern about the bingo industry and the number of bingo halls going out of business. Secondly, in evaluating gaming duty, will the Government consider some reform or take any action to assist bingo halls? When considering clause 21, the Committee of the whole House addressed the issue of amusement machines, which is a similar area. A popular and traditional industry, which provides a great deal of pleasure to a lot of people, is facing difficult times. Perhaps we could use the opportunity to ask if the Government intend to do anything about rescuing an industry in trouble.

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