Deputy Prime Minister written question – answered at on 17 November 2004.
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
(1) what meetings (a) he, (b) his departmental Ministers and (c) advisers and officials have held with representatives of (i) Sun City International, (ii) MGM Mirage, (iii) Mandalay Resort Group, (iv) Kerzner International, (v) Las Vegas Sands, Inc.,(vi) Harrah's Entertainment, (vii) Caesar's Entertainment and (viii) other foreign casino firms; what the (A) dates and (B) venues of the meetings were; and which individuals were present;
(2) how many recent meetings (a) officials and (b) special advisers of his Department have had with representatives of (a) Sun International, (b) MGM Mirage, (c) Kerzner International, (d) Caesar's Entertainment and (e) the British Casino Association.
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister
(1) how many recent meetings he has had with representatives of (a) Sun International, (b) MGM Mirage, (c) Kerzner International, (d) Caesar's Entertainment and (e) the British Casino Association; when those meetings took place; and if he will list the representatives whom he met from each organisation;
(2) which (a) UK and (b) international organisations have submitted written representations to the Department concerning the Government's proposals for changes to legislation on gambling; and on what dates each representation (i) was received and (ii) was given a substantive response;
(3) what dates (a) Ministers and (b) officials in the Department have held meetings with representatives of the UK gambling industry to discuss proposed changes to legislation on gambling;
(4) if he will list the overseas visits made by (a) Ministers and (b) officials in the Department in relation to proposed changes to legislation on gambling; what the itinerary was for each visit; how long each visit lasted; which hotels were used; what the cost was in each case; and how each visit was funded.
Since the publication of the report of the Gambling Review Body (Cm 5206) in July 2001, the Department has undertaken a very extensive programme of consultations with interested bodies about options and proposals for changes to gambling law in Great Britain. There have been two formal public consultations, the first on the Review Body's report and the second on the draft clauses published for pre-legislative scrutiny in November 2003. In addition to these consultations the relevant Government Departments have corresponded with and met-individual companies, trade associations, charities and other bodies concerned with problem gambling or who benefit from lotteries, local authorities, trade unions, law enforcement agencies, academics and many other bodies and individuals, including members of the public, with an interest. These contacts, designed to ensure that the Government's policy proposals are sound and take full account of all relevant benefits, costs and risks, have involved both Ministers and officials. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Code.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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