A BOLTON MP is attempting to overturn a proposed law which he fears could force working men's clubs in Bolton to close.

Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South-east, has presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of five Labour clubs in the town.

He is requesting the Government does not pass any legislation to remove jackpot machines from non-profit making members' clubs.

Doing so, he said, would slash their revenues and force them to shut.

Speaking in Parliament, he added: "The recommendations that jackpot machines should be removed from private clubs will, if enacted, place non-profit making members' clubs under such financial pressure that they may be forced to close."

The Labour minister is reacting to the biggest shake-up in the country's gambling laws for 30 years.

The Gambling Review Report 2001 plans to cut pay-outs of jackpot machines from £250 to £25.

Club bosses say the £250 jackpot entices people to part with their cash.

Organisations across Bolton wrote to Dr Iddon to express their concern that the proposed legislation would reduce the number of customers.

Dr Iddon said : "Members of political clubs, social clubs and other clubs in my constituency have expressed concern about their financial viability.

"The Petitioners request that the House of Commons not pass any legislation which will entail the removal of jackpot machines from non-profit-making members' clubs."

The petition was drawn up by members of Farnworth and Kearsley Labour Club, the Derby Ward Labour Club, the Rumworth Labour Club, the Dixon Green Labour club, and the Bradford Ward Labour Club.

Little Lever Labour Club closed recently because of financial problems, highlighting, Mr Iddon said, the tightrope many walked.

The controversial recommendation is part of 176 drawn up by the independent Gambling Review Body, headed by Oxford academic Sir Alan Budd.

A review of the gambling laws began in April 2000 and a report was published on July 17, 2001.

It calls for a modernisation of the industry and, for most part, has a liberal view on gambling.

It urges Parliament to scrap many of the betting restrictions contained in the 1968 Gaming Act.

Indeed, many of the reforms pave the way for seaside resorts such as Blackpool to open Las Vegas style casinos.

Recommendations include allowing live music where there are gambling facilities and permitting more than 10 slot machines in casinos. It would also allow non-members to enter casinos. And in light of the liberal proposals, club owners feel clamping down on them would be unfair.

Jimmy Scoular, aged 53, treasurer of Farnworth and Kearsley Labour Club, on Longcauseway, Farnworth, welcomed Mr Iddon's support.

Mr Scoular, who is also secretary of the National union of Labour and Socialist Clubs in Bolton, said: "By all accounts it seems that clause 70 will be dropped and we do hope that common sense prevails.

"It will mean we can get on with our business. We do thank Dr Iddon for his support."