Culture minister defends casino decision

2007-03-15 17:46:57

Culture minister Richard Caborn is the latest government official to defend the awarding of the UK's sole super-casino to Manchester.

Speaking as Professor Stephen Crow of the Casino Advisory Panel defended the group's decision, Mr Caborn backed the process that led to Manchester being awarded the venue ahead of favourites London and Blackpool.

Casino licences are due to be debated by MPs and Lords within the next few weeks, but Mr Caborn was resolute in his opinion that the decision was the right one.

"Those who the decisions were in favour of, the 17, would say it was very fair, transparent and objective [process]," he commented, according to the BBC.

"Those who didn't win think it is the worse thing that's ever happened.

"We thought a very professional job had been done.

"We believe the skill-set of the panel itself was broad enough to bring back a well-thought out, professional report."

A six hour Commons debate will allow both sides to put their points of view across next month.


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