To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many representations she had received as of 4 June 2007 on the Gambling (Lottery Machine Interval) Order; what assessment her Department has conducted of the likely effect of the implementation of such an order on small clubs; what discussions she has had with representatives of licensed establishments that cannot sell lottery tickets from vending machines concerning the order; and if she will make a statement. (141769)

The consultation on the Gambling (Lottery Machine Interval) Order 2007 closed on Friday 18 May. The Department received 18 formal responses. In addition, more than 200 clubs and a number of hon. Members wrote to the Department.

A partial regulatory impact assessment was issued alongside the consultation and is available on the Department’s website at

http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Gambling_racing/QuickLinks/Consultations/?expand=2007_closed_consultations

A full regulatory impact assessment is currently being prepared and will be available shortly in the House Library.

Ministers and officials have met representatives of the clubs sector on a number of occasions to discuss the order.