Member

On Amendment 135, the regulator has the necessary flexibility to ensure that all clubs that meet the test for a provisional licence will be granted one. Rather than set an arbitrary and inflexible deadline in primary legislation, we believe the regulator should have the ability to set in rules the period within which it will make the decision. The regulator will have a better understanding of the industry and will be able to determine how much time is required for those applications. It will also be required to consult on those rules so that it can make sure the processes and timelines work for clubs, which is important. Ultimately, that will ensure that the regulator has the flexibility independently to set the timings for the application process, while still ensuring upfront clarity for the industry. I therefore hope the noble Lord will withdraw his amendment, and I will respond to the points raised during this debate.