Commenting Mr Doris said:

"Bingo clubs provide a safe, social environment in local communities that many other entertainments cannot replicate"

"For many, especially elderly women, the weekly visit to the Bingo is the place they feel comfortable in and it is unfair that that should be jeopardised by an exclusive extra level of taxation"

"Why is it that Royal Ascot is not subject to a VAT rate that the Gala Bingo in Maryhill is?"

"Whether you play Bingo or not, you cannot deny that this is discriminatory"

"Ironically, the first Bingo club to close since the smoking ban in Scotland was imposed was in the Chancellors own back yard.  It would be fitting if he, in his first few weeks as Prime Minister could instruct the New Chancellor to remove this discriminatory Tax"

Sir Peter Fry said:

“I’m pleased Bob Doris is tabling this motion and I hope it secures enough support across the Scottish Parliament for the UK government to take note"

"It comes on the back of an early day motion in the Westminster Parliament which I’m pleased to say has attracted Parliamentary support.

“We are beginning to see the emergence of a broad political consensus in support of bingo, which is something I hope the new Chancellor will acknowledge

"Failure to tackle this fiscal imbalance will result in further job closures and job losses, many of which will be in small and remote communities."


Notes:

Bob will be calling a game of Bingo at the Gala in Maryhill (30 Craigmont Street Glasgow G20 9BS) on Tuesday 3rd July during the 7.30pm session.

The full text of Bobs motion is:
Date of Lodging: 25 June 2007 Short Title: Social Aspect of Bingo Clubs and VAT S3M-00234 Bob Doris (Glasgow) (SNP): That the Parliament acknowledges the important social aspect that bingo clubs provide in local communities; notes that they provide a safe environment and are sometimes the sole outlet for communication for some people, many of whom are elderly women; notes that the Bingo Association was supportive of the smoking ban in Scotland but observes that this has contributed to a serious decline in attendance and profits; further notes that the industry is subject to the imposition of 17.5% VAT, while its immediate competitors in bookmaking and casinos are not, and suggests that the VAT taken by HM Treasury should be removed or significantly reduced in order to level the playing field, facilitate the survival of the industry and prevent further closures of bingo clubs in local communities across Scotland.