Tessa Jowell has directly confounded the prime minister's suggestion that if the budget allowed it two supercasinos could be built, by insisting there would only be one.
Tony Blair had hoped to appease ministers who disagreed with the decision to award the supercasino licence to Manchester instead of Blackpool, but the culture secretary was adamant.
Ms Jowell told MPs in the Commons: "I've made the government's position clear – consistent with our policy of public protection, there'll be one regional casino during this Parliament.
"No others will be considered until that experience has been evaluated properly. There is no mess or confusion, except what is due to the unsuccessful attempts of the opposition."
Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble countered: "I'm concerned we don't seem to be moving forward despite the very public comments by the prime minister that he sees no reason why we shouldn't move ahead with Blackpool's casino."
Tessa Jowell has directly confounded the prime minister's suggestion that if the budget allowed it two supercasinos could be built, by insisting there would only be one.