Blair wants a second supercasino

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Tony Blair wants two supercasinos to be built despite his own Culture Secretary's pledge to allow just one to go ahead.

The Prime Minister undermined Tessa Jowell by declaring that gaming complexes could be established in both the towns which vied for the first licence, Manchester and Blackpool.

Critics said his comments proved the Government's gambling policy was in disarray.

In March the House of Lords threw out Labour's original plans for a supercasino in Manchester.

Mr Blair told MPs that Ministers would reintroduce the proposals 'very shortly'.

And he added, "Personally I have never seen the reason why we should have Blackpool and Manchester pitted against each other. If the investment is there and able to be done let's do both of them."

Hugo Swire, the Tory culture spokesman, described Labour's policy as an 'absolute shambles' and called on Gordon Brown to make his position on supercasinos clear before he becomes leader.

Mr Blair's spokesman said Miss Jowell stood by her commitment not to approve any more supercasinos during the life of the current Parliament.