Parliamentary Committee needed to look at Casino decisions - Foster

10.02.00am GMT Tue 27th Feb 2007

The Liberal Democrats have today stepped up pressure on the Government to convene a Select Committee in both Houses of Parliament to discuss the recommendations of the Casino Advisory Panel, including the decision to award a super-casino to Manchester.

Liberal Democrat Culture Spokesperson, Lord (Tim) Clement-Jones, has tabled a motion in the House of Lords and has also written to the Chairman of the House of Lords Liaison Committee asking him to consider the proposal.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture Secretary, Don Foster MP said:

"The recommendation of the Casino Advisory Panel should be looked at by a Joint Committee of Parliament because of the increase in online gambling and the current number of casinos, which are changing the face of British gambling.

"The Government previously promised that there would be no more than 150 casinos, but the extra 17 new casino licenses recommended by the Casino Advisory Panel will exceed that limit.

"The Government must allow a Joint Committee to make sure the Casino Advisory Panel has made the right decision."