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Dr Stephen Ladyman, MP |
Dr Stephen Ladyman, MP was among the first politicians to defend the interests of seaside operators in the wake of the Budd Report. Now he's has joined the latest coin-op debate.
BACTA's lobbying efforts to win changes to stake and prize levels and other key machine concessions appear to be gathering considerable momentum with new names joining the debate. Among the latest to express a valid interest is Dr Stephen Ladyman, Labour MP for South Thanet.
Speaking in the House of Commons last week, he attempted to draw attention to the plight of AGC operators, telling his fellow MPs: "I do not know whether my right hon. and learned Friend (Harriet Harman) has visited a bookmaker recently, but if she has, she will have noticed that many are exploiting an unintended loophole in the Gambling Act 2005, by installing up to four machines, each of which can take a stake on a single play of £100."
He explained to the House that the legislative disparity between the LBO and AGC sectors was responsible for a series of problematic issues. "Such machines are distorting the market for coin-operated machines so much that they are even affecting the seaside arcade industry and threatening jobs where machines are manufactured in my constituency," he advised. "I have applied for an adjournment debate on the subject, but perhaps it deserves a wider debate in the House."
Leader of the House of Commons, Ms Harman, responded: "My Hon. Friend makes two important points on behalf of his constituency. One is about gambling and the other is about the future of seaside towns. The future of seaside towns, including the amusements available, is perhaps something that we should consider for a topical debate when it gets a bit warmer."
Dr Ladyman has long been a supporter of business interests at the British seaside in general. His own constituency in East Kent is itself, home to the coastal resorts of Ramsgate and Broadstairs.
