THE NATIONAL LOTTERY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SHOPS

Early day motion 932, tabled 24 March 2003 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes that ticket sales for the National Lottery continue to fall, with the result that less money is being made available to good causes; recognises that ticket sales are an important source of revenue for neighbourhood shops and in many instances make a difference to their continued viability; deplores the actions of Camelot to remove terminals from smaller shops whose sales do not reach the figure which the company demands; believes that Camelot's monopoly behaviour is contrary to the concept of sustainable communities and social inclusion and that it will hasten the closure of many neighbourhood shops which play an important role in the life of the community; notes that while there are around 26,000 outlets with Lottery terminals there is a waiting list of 80,000 retailers who would like to have a Lottery terminal; and therefore, in the spirit of a free competitive market, calls on the Government to urge Camelot to make Lottery terminals available to all retailers who wish to have one.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 7, Labour/Co-operative 1.