To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he made of the aspects of the Responsibility in Gambling Trust and the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ submissions to the Gambling Commission consultation on gambling advertisements which highlight their concern at the possible impact on children of allowing the promotion of gambling-related products through sporting events and merchandise; whether his Department has commissioned any research into the likely impact on children of this policy; and if he will make a statement. (155064)

[holding answer 10 September 2007]: The Responsibility in Gambling Trust and Royal College of Psychiatrists’ submissions to the Gambling Commission consultation on gambling advertisements were published on the Gambling Commission website in June 2007 along with the Commission’s own response. The Government agree with the Commission’s assessment that

“the CAP (Committee on Advertising Practice) and BCAP (Broadcast Committee on Advertising Practice) advertising codes will ensure that the content and placement of advertising is socially responsible”.

The Government also agree with their view that licensees should

“use sponsorship in a socially responsible manner”

and that

“the (gambling) industry itself (should) consider whether it should follow the example of the drinks industry by introducing a voluntary self-denying ban on replica children’s shirts”.

I am pleased that the gambling industry has responded to this by adopting a voluntary code on socially responsible advertising which requires that gambling logos are not used on children’s replica sports shirts in sponsorship deals made after 1 September 2007. We have commissioned no specific research on this issue but I have strong powers to limit advertising under the Gambling Act, and if there is evidence that gambling is being advertised in a socially irresponsible way, I will not hesitate to use them.