[holding answer 12 July 2006]: DCMS Ministers have regular meetings and discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on a wide range of subjects. Information relating to internal meetings, discussion and advice is not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.
The Department has not received any representations from Manchester residents opposed to a regional casino in Manchester. All representations relating to bids by local authorities for the right to issue the one regional casino premises licence permitted by the Gambling Act 2005 have been made to the Casino Advisory Panel, which is operating independently of the Department.
A summary of representations received by the panel both for and against a regional casino in Manchester is available on the Casino Advisory Panel's website (www.culture.gov.uk/cap<http://www.culture.gov.uk/cap>).