HC Deb 04 March 1996 vol 273 cc14-5
17. Mr. Garnier

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many orchestras in the east midlands have been awarded funds from the national lottery. [16368]

Mr. Sproat

There have, as yet, been no awards to orchestras in the east midlands. However, there have been 38 awards to arts projects in the region, totalling some £8 million. Of those, seven awards have been made to bands and one to a choir.

Mr. Garnier

My hon. Friend will realise that Leicestershire is the centre of English rugger, with the Leicester Tigers being the main side in the county. Will he help me make it the centre of English music-making by increasing the publicity his Department gives to applying for an award under the national lottery scheme? I am sure that many orchestras—not least the Wigston orchestra in my constituency—would be very pleased to know the details of how to make such an application so that they may benefit as a result.

Mr. Sproat

As to my hon. and learned Friend's reference to Leicester and rugby, a son of Leicester—Dean Richards—made the single greatest contribution to England's Calcutta cup victory on Saturday. As to giving more publicity to how to make lottery applications, my right hon. Friend recently authorised the distribution of a leaflet on the subject. If my hon. and learned Friend has any difficulties in that regard, I would be glad to answer any questions.

18. Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much revenue the national lottery has generated for good causes.[16369]

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Revenue generated by the national lottery for the five good causes totals £1.613 billion.

Mr. Greenway

That news is very welcome. My constituents are particularly delighted that the Greenford lawn tennis club has received £51,000 from the national lottery to open a new and much needed pavilion, which will be used by everyone in the area. Is my right hon. Friend aware that the pavilion will prove so good and useful that it is fit to be opened by the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales or the Queen—if Labour Members would leave them alone?

Mrs. Bottomley

My hon. Friend speaks for many hon. Members in welcoming the contribution of national lottery awards to their constituencies. It is bringing communities together, promoting sport, encouraging arts activities and restoring heritage and many rural areas. It is a magnificent success.