Malcolm Moss (North East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether contractors have been selected to undertake on behalf of the Gambling Commission the tests required to ensure that gaming machines comply with the technical standards required under the Gambling Act 2005.

Richard Caborn (Minister of State (Sport), Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Sheffield Central, Labour)

The Gambling Commission has invited test houses to apply for approval to carry out tests required to ensure that gaming machines and remote gambling systems comply with the technical standards required under the Gambling Act. All prospective test houses will be required to undergo a Commission assessment on the suitability, integrity and independence of their business. They will also need to demonstrate accreditation to BS/EN ISO 17025, plus any additional features (skills, capabilities, capacity) that may be required to test to the Commission's technical standards. All test houses which meet the requirements will be granted approval, and operators will be able to choose which approved test house to use. The Commission has received three applications to date.