There are lies, damned lies and statistics - and never is that more true than in the debate on gambling

The British government has rightly been criticised for the long delays in publishing its gambling review white paper, but sifting through its call for evidence would have been a long process even without the effects of the revolving door at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The debate about gambling that has raged over the last decade has been typified by the use of statistics that have either been questionable in the first place, interpreted to suit an agenda or misinterpreted through lack of knowledge.

Navigating so many conflicting interpretations to find the truth is far from simple, so it is to be hoped that lack of knowledge rather than some other motive was at the heart of a few of the questions by members of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee last week during the latest hearing in its inquiry into the gambling industry.