TAXATION OF THE BINGO INDUSTRY

That this Housenotes the report by Ernst and Young which statesthat Treasury calculations for gross profit tax rates for bingo earlier this year were inaccurateand will not be of benefit to the industry; further notes the tax increase threatenssmaller, independent clubs;congratulates the bingo industry on the contribution it makes to social welfare, leisure and the economy; is concerned about the loss of 4,000 jobs in the bingo industry since 2003;and therefore 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.