Lotto debate takes new turn

Press, 26 February 1986, Page 3

Lotto debate takes new turn

By

PATRICIA HERBERT

in Wellington

The battle over Lotto, at least among Labour members of Parliament, has moved from whether it should be introduced in New Zealand to how.

Caucus sources yesterday felt there was a general readiness to have the game established as a fund-raiser for recreational pursuits.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Tapsell, has suggested that some Government members may be opposed to the introduction bf Lotto but, if they exist, they seem to be a small minority.

On matters of detail, however, opinion may be more divided. Among the issues to be decided are the tax regimes facing racing and the Golden Kiwi and whether the

game should be run by the State, by private enterprise, or by a mixture of both.

Mr Tapsell felt interest in this debate sufficiently high to warrant calling a meeting last evening of his Parliamentary Labour colleagues. They have decided to treat the legislation as a conscience vote, consistent with their policy on gambling. Whether the National Opposition chooses to do the same or to opt instead for a vote on party lines has yet to be announced.

Either way, it is expected that support for the bill will be sufficient to see it safely passed, but for Lotto’s strongest advocate, the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Moore, the free vote is believed to be a setback. Apparently he would have preferred to have the normal rules of voting discipline apply.