John Hayes
Main Page: John Hayes (Conservative - South Holland and The Deepings)Department Debates - View all John Hayes's debates with the Leader of the House
(6 years, 5 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Andrea Leadsom
I would like to pay tribute to all those who buy lottery tickets and to the amazing achievements of the lottery in supporting good causes around the country. The hon. Lady makes an important point, and I suggest she seek an Adjournment debate, so that she can raise that matter.
Mr John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) (Con)
Sylvia Plath, speaking of her beloved son, said:
“There is no guile or warp in him. May he keep so.”
In our time, our children are being warped by online gambling. The Gambling Commission reports that 25,000 children in Britain are problem gamblers and that a number of online gambling vehicles are predatory, using techniques to make children spend. Will the Leader of the House arrange for a Minister to make a statement or perhaps even hold a debate, to ensure that we take seriously this great menace? Graham Greene said:
“There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.”
We can condemn our children to a future that is bitter and bleak, or we can craft a future that is joyful, hopeful and wonderful.
Mr Speaker
The right hon. Gentleman’s book learning is legendary, as is his willingness generously to share it with us.