Fixed Odds Betting Terminals

Debate between Mark Spencer and Helen Grant

Wednesday 8th January 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

No, I do not accept that. The Gambling Commission, as the hon. Gentleman is well aware, has a requirement that under-age individuals are not allowed to gamble in licensed betting shops. Obviously, if the rules and conditions are breached, the operator is at risk of losing their licence. I will develop that argument further and say a little more about staffing and security numbers as I progress.

The motion raises a wide range of issues, but fails completely to focus on the evidence and activity that is well under way. In order to make appropriate decisions about fixed odds betting terminals, we need better to understand how they are used and the real impact on players. That is why the UK is conducting the largest ever programmes of research into gaming machine usage.

The Opposition acknowledge—notwithstanding what the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford), said in his opening speech—that there is insufficient evidence to support a reduction in stakes and prizes. That is why we have focused our attention on improving the evidence base, so that we can determine whether a reduction in speed of play or a reduction in maximum stake will make the machines safer.

[Mr Spencer]

I was taught at an early age that the only thing anyone needs to know about the bookies is that there are four windows to pay in and one window that pays out. Surely education is one of the solutions to this problem. Will the Minister assure the House that she will do all she can to make sure that the gaming industry does what it can to educate its customers?

[Mrs Grant]

My hon. Friend makes a very good point. I had the big five betting operators in to see me in December, and I can reassure him that they are very mindful of the role of player education within player protection, and that they want to progress and do more about it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Spencer and Helen Grant

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con)]

T9. . What can the Secretary of State do the reverse the increase in the compensation culture in the UK?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mrs Helen Grant)]

Our whiplash consultation closed on 8 March. We looked into the use of independent medical review panels and increasing the small claims compensation threshold. A response to the Government’s consultation will be published in autumn this year after the Transport Committee’s inquiry into whiplash.