Alex Neil: ..., launched the Scotland’s financial health service web portal and amended Scottish planning policy. However, specific controls are needed to address concerns about indebtedness and problem gambling. The United Kingdom Government’s response to the Smith commission recommendations on that falls short of what is needed. The Scottish Government’s first priority must therefore be to press...
Alex Neil: ...is clear: we are demanding the powers that were promised in the Smith report and, if we get them, we will use them, as they will be much more effective in dealing with payday lenders and problem gambling than are planning controls and use classes orders. If we do not get the most effective powers, we will introduce measures to use UCOs. However, as the recent consultation pointed out in no...
Alex Neil: That approach has been applied elsewhere and is under consideration in other parts of the United Kingdom. If we had the appropriate powers, we would certainly look at it, because problem gambling is a major blight on our society.
Alex Neil: ...Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-4323 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 December 2003, whether it has discussed the content and implications of Her Majesty’s Government’s draft Gambling Bill as part of its regular contact with that government.
Alex Neil: To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made in respect of Her Majesty's Government’s draft Gambling Bill.