The wheels of government move slowly at the Culture Department. In April, Gerry Sutcliffe, the minister responsible for gambling, told a Bingo Association gathering that he was looking at ways of helping the beleaguered industry and would issue a statement to the House detailing measures. He declared: “I think it is fair to say that the Prime Minister is sympathetic to bingo - and recognises the role of bingo halls in supporting their local communities.” The hint was that he would allow clubs to have more £500 jackpot machines and the Gambling Commission was duly consulted.

This was a rare ray of light for an industry hit by the smoking ban, the consumer downturn, the banning of Section 21 machines and high taxes. Except that Mr Sutcliffe has yet to find time to outline the measures. The word is that the source of the delay is our “sympathetic” PM. “Gordon Brown is sitting on it and nobody knows why,” says my man in Westminster. A Culture spokeswoman soothes: “We're expecting a statement shortly.”

Leisure industry boys line up for their gongs

As I run down the Queen's Birthday Honours list, I see a few old friends from the leisure industry, with Alan Parker, the Whitbread chief executive, and Andrew Coppel, the former Queens Moat Houses chief executive and Tourism Ireland chairman, both being appointed CBE. There is also recognition for Mike Balfour, the Fitness First founder, who is made OBE.

Workers in the Square Mile will be interested to learn of the knighthood for Michael Snyder, who stepped down recently after five years as chairman of the policy and resources committee of the City of London. Snyder, who is senior partner at Kingston Smith, the accountant, and a keen narrowboater, led the City's campaign for Crossrail.

Caught up yesterday with Ted Tuppen, the Enterprise Inns boss, who recently took part in a 350-mile cycle ride from the battlefields of France to the Cenotaph to raise money for Help for Heroes. Tuppen, who fell off his bike in training, says he managed to complete the ride without further accidents. “Stopping for coffee and croissants and the odd afternoon beer kept me going.”

GI Partners, the US private equity firm, has upset someone, judging by the whispering campaign about its UK investments. First, there were rumours (hotly denied) of problems at its Orchid Pubs chain. Then, I get an e-mail detailing job cuts and sinking profits at Park Resorts. The jobs bit is true, but again it seems the main thrust of the speculation is wrong.

We have heard of Branston Beans and curry-flavoured Kit Kat, but now Cadbury's has launched a chocolate- flavoured chewing gum. Trident Sweet Kicks, which is aimed at women, is “all about enjoying life's little pleasures”, crows Trevor Bond, head of Cadbury Britain and Ireland. I wonder what women will make of the gelatine, glazing agent, various E numbers and six sweeteners. “Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects,” says a warning on the box.

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