asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act in order to raise the maximum prize limit on bingo games to a higher level than £150.

The figure of £150, which is the amount which the total prizes and awards at certain entertainments not held for private gain may not exceed, was increased to this level in 1981 and my right hon. Friend has no plans at present to make a further increase. The amounts of prizes given in commercial bingo are primarily determined by the amount of money staked, but limits are imposed on the amount by which this may be augmented of £1,000 in any one week or £2,500 in the case of linked bingo. These limits were last increased in 1981 and 1982 respectively. There are no plans for further increases.