The proposed merger of the Gambling Commission with the National Lottery Commission is creating a great deal of speculation within the corridors of power at the UK Department for Culture Media and Sport.
This column as far back as a year ago forecast rumours that the DCMS itself would be dismantled post-Olympic Games, and the discussion on merging the two Commissions that come under the DCMS may be seen as a preamble to that process.
Minister for Sport and Tourism Hugh Robertson, writing to Philip Graf, chairman of the Gambling Commission, reports that a “management agreement” is in process, which would dictate the methodology of the merger. In response, Graf expressed concern about confidentiality of information collected by his organisation and calling for a sub-committee to consider this aspect.
Our sources among civil servants closely connected with both organisations have observed that there may be some difficulties in the proposals as the two organisations have different objectives. It is also seen as “highly political” with too many “Chinese walls under one roof” leading to conflict at all levels.
“In short,” said one contact, “I would like to see the new management structure with the current personalities… And who is merging with whom?”
