GAMING MACHINE STAKE AND PRIZE LEVELS

Early day motion 1503, tabled 26 January 2006 by John Grogan (Labour). Signed by 148 members.

That this House notes with concern that the Government has not implemented the Gaming Board of Great Britain's recommendation to raise the prize level for Category C machines to £35 nor to implement its own proposal to raise the stake to 50 pence; recognises the lack of a suitable stake and prize has been damaging to many leisure sectors which have seen a severe decline in income in recent years; further notes that the effect is felt particuarly in rural and community pubs and local bingo halls where the income stream generated by low stake and prize gaming is of vital importance to those businesses; and notes that the leisure industry as represented by the BBPA, BACTA, BALPPA, BISL and the Bingo Association are urging the Government to introduce the stake and prize increase as a matter of urgency under the current arrangements which provide sufficient safeguards in an existing and established market.

Signatures by party: Labour 65, Conservative 48, Liberal Democrat 32, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 1.