SUPPORT FOR THE UK AMUSEMENT SECTOR AND TOURISM INDUSTRY

That this House recognises the importance of tourism to the UK economy and in particular the part played by the amusement industry, which supports thousands of jobs in seaside towns; notes that the amusement industry is facing one of the most critical periods in its history with the closure of more than 280 arcades over the last 18 months; is concerned that the current Treasury proposals to introduce machine gaming duty will cause an increase in costs and complexity for these businesses; and calls on the Government to ensure that any change to the tax regime is undertaken with full consultation and is revenue neutral so as to ensure it does not threaten jobs, businesses and communities in the UK amusement sector and the UK tourism industry.