Fixed Odds Betting Terminals

Debate between Barry Sheerman and Clive Efford

Wednesday 8th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)]

rose—

[Clive Efford]

I will certainly give way when I have finished making this point.

A report on machine density by experts in gambling including Heather Wardle, who leads key studies such as the gambling prevalence survey, has stated:

“The distribution of gambling machines in Great Britain…displays a significant association with areas of socio-economic deprivation. The profile of the resident population living in HDMZs”—

high-density machine zones—

“mirrors the profile of those most at-risk of experiencing harm from gambling.”

We cannot stand back and allow this to continue.

--- Later in debate ---

[Clive Efford]

I certainly think that the machines are an example of Cameron’s Britain, where there is one rule for our constituents and another for the big businesses that run the betting shops.

[Mr Sheerman]

My constituency of Huddersfield has 28 bookies. In 2012, £102 million was bet and £3 million lost—that scourge just vacuums money out of our community. I actually do not agree with the motion; I think we should get rid of these iniquitous organisations.

[Clive Efford]

The motion addresses the concern expressed by my hon. Friend by calling for local councillors to make decisions about the economic activity that takes place in their town centres.