Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Kelvin Hopkins

Thursday 31st October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

My hon. Friend raises some interesting issues, but work has begun and we will look at all the evidence and all the research. In addition, we will put pressure on the industry to develop its own harm mitigation measures. We must ensure that those measures work and that their success is evaluated.

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

These wicked machines are destroying lives and families in some of the poorest areas of our country. Ireland has banned these machines; should we not simply follow that example?

[Mrs Grant]

As I have said repeatedly, the future of these machines is not set in stone, there is no green light for fixed odds betting terminals and their future will be kept carefully under review.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Helen Grant and Kelvin Hopkins

Tuesday 2nd July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Grant]

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. He is well aware of the actions that have been taken for bereaved families. I will not go into too much detail now, but I will say, picking up the point about judicial review, that these proposals strike the right balance and a fair balance, and they are proportional and targeted. The system is already subject to abuse. The reforms that we will put forward will not restrict access to justice or the rule of law, nor the right to a fair hearing.

[Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his Departmental responsibilities.