SUPPORT FOR THE BINGO INDUSTRY

That this House congratulates the bingo industry on the contribution it makes to leisure and the economy in the UK; is concerned about the loss of 4,000 jobs in the bingo industry since 2003; calls on the Treasury to work closely with the bingo industry to preserve this popular leisure activity; and urges the Government to work closely with the industry to consider the future impact of the increase in bingo duty from 15 per cent. to 22 per cent., whilst the duty has remained at 15 per cent. for online versions of the game and for football pools.