Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering Excerpts

Monday 20th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Nick Boles]

This Government share the concerns the hon. Lady has expressed about the way in which some people can fall prey to these machines. The Government and the Prime Minister made clear that we will look at the evidence, that we are conducting a review with the Responsible Gambling Trust and that we will then come forward with proposals, but I hope she will admit that it was the Government she supported who brought in the relaxation in the first place.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

May I ask my hon. Friend to ensure that this will be a local decision in accordance with article 4, but that we should recognise that betting shops do employ local people and make a contribution to the local economy?

[Nick Boles]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Betting shops are significant local employers and can make a significant contribution to the local economy, but it is also right that local authorities can look at local conditions and apply an article 4 direction where they feel that local impacts merit it.